The Golden State Warriors’ highly anticipated matchup with Nikola Jokic and the reigning champion Denver Nuggets on Wednesday is going to be without not one, but two All-NBA level defenders in addition to Draymond Green. According to the Warriors’ latest injury report, Gary Payton II is officially out versus Denver due to sickness.

Payton’s availability to play against the Nuggets was first marked as uncertain. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, he skipped Golden State’s morning shootaround, raising even more questions about his status.

The Warriors are severely missing Payton, especially with Green sidelined for private matters. He was a major contributor to the Dubs’ excellent bench-heavy lineups in the first few games in 2023–24, having returned to Golden State at the trade deadline last season despite a nagging midsection ailment.

In addition to being one of the most effective and adaptable on-ball defenders in basketball, Payton also poses a serious threat to a top playmaker like Jokic because of his propensity for deflecting the ball away from the hoop, which helps the Warriors’ transition assault. Additionally, he frequently appeared in Steve Kerr’s last lineup, picking off rival ball handlers when the game was close.

With Gary Payton II out, expect Moses Moody to see more time off the bench. Jonathan Kuminga, Dario Saric, and rookie big man Trayce Jackson-Davis are ready to take up Green’s slack. When Golden State is shorthanded against Denver, both rookie guard Brandin Podziemski and seasoned point guard Cory Joseph may see action.

The fact that Nuggets standout Jamal Murray missed the game due to a hamstring issue that could keep him out for the rest of November lessens the effect of Payton’s injury. However, Jokic is the most effective and versatile offensive player in the NBA; the Warriors must put forth maximum effort to even stand a chance of containing him.

Denver and Golden State will tip off at 7:00 p.m. (PT) from Pepsi Center.