The Golden State Warriors are set to take on the Houston Rockets for Game 7 of their first round.
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The Warriors will look to avoid a collapse after being up 3-1 in this series; however, they will be without their defensive-minded guard, Gary Payton II.
Payton has been ruled out for the mightily important Game 7.
Gary Payton II (illness) listed out Sunday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 4, 2025
Payton will miss Sunday’s game due to an illness.
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The 32-year-old suited up and even drew the start in Game 6 on Friday, but less than 24 hours later, he was a surprise late addition to the injury report, listed as questionable.
With the veteran guard ruled out for Sunday’s do-or-die clash, Golden State is expected to lean more heavily on Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, and Pat Spencer to help stabilize the backcourt rotation.
Payton has contributed modestly during the first round, averaging 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 steals over 15.8 minutes per game in six appearances, including one start. Sunday marks his first absence of the postseason.
In the regular season, Payton played in 62 games where he averaged 6.5 points per game, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 steals while shooting 57.4 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from three in 15.0 minutes of action.
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The Rockets and Warriors are set to clash in a decisive Game 7 of their first-round Western Conference series. Houston came out on top in their most recent matchup on Friday, earning a 115-107 win behind Fred VanVleet’s 29-point performance, while Stephen Curry matched him with 29 of his own for Golden State.
The Rockets hold a 31-21 mark against Western Conference opponents and have shown they can handle close games, posting an 8-5 record in contests decided by three points or fewer.
Meanwhile, the Warriors enter with a 29-23 conference record and are 6-6 in games determined by a single possession.
Houston comes into Game 7 as the slight favorite on their home floor, listed at -2.5 on the spread. Oddsmakers have set the total points line at 206.5, with the moneyline leaning toward the Rockets at -135.
Game 7 is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. PT on Sunday in Houston.
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