The Warriors are set to take on the Raptors on Thursday night, hoping to keep their momentum going. Sitting at No. 6 in the West with a 40-29 record, Golden State has been on fire, winning eight of their last nine games, including a big victory over the Bucks on Tuesday. A major contributor to their recent success has been Gary Payton II.

Just days ago, he put up a career-high 26 points in a dominant performance against the Blazers, proving his value on both ends of the floor. His energy and defense have been crucial in keeping the Warriors locked in during this late-season push.

But just hours before tipoff, the Warriors revealed that Payton has been ruled out with left knee soreness, a tough blow for a team looking to stay hot.

Payton might not be the flashiest name on the Warriors’ roster, but he’s been a rock-solid contributor all season. The 32-year-old guard has played in 56 games, starting 10, and he’s made the most of his minutes. He’s averaging 6.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting an impressive 57.8% from the field. His three-point shot? Not exactly lights-out at 32.2%, but his impact goes way beyond the numbers.

Lately, he’s been turning it up a notch. He dropped 18 against the Nuggets, put up 16 on the Nets, and added 15 in a battle with the 76ers. Whether it’s his defensive hustle or timely buckets, Payton has been doing whatever the Warriors need. And let’s be real—every contender needs a guy like him.

With the postseason approaching, though, individual performances aren’t the only thing that matters. The Warriors have to figure out their ideal rotation, and with a near-healthy roster for the first time in months, tough choices are inevitable.

With only Gary Payton II out, Steve Kerr has a nearly fully healthy squad

The Warriors are finally getting healthy at the perfect time. Since trading for Jimmy Butler, Steve Kerr has been mixing and matching lineups, but now he’s close to having a full squad. The only player sidelined for Thursday’s game against Toronto is Gary Payton II (knee soreness), while Stephen Curry returns after missing Tuesday’s win over the Bucks.

With the playoffs looming, Kerr has to trim the rotation. Even after the Butler trade, 11 players are fighting for minutes—too many for a postseason run. Some tough decisions are coming, and a few guys will be on the outside looking in.

Kevon Looney seems like the first casualty. His minutes have dropped since the All-Star break, and he played just six against Milwaukee. Draymond Green is leading small-ball lineups, and rookie Quinten Post is earning time at center. Looney’s role is shrinking fast, and more DNPs could be in his future.

Gui Santos is another player who could lose minutes. He’s been a spark, but with Jonathan Kuminga back from injury, the rotation is getting crowded. Santos played just eight minutes against the Bucks, and Kerr may not want five young players in the postseason mix.

It’s a harsh reality, but with the Warriors shifting into playoff mode, a set rotation and clear roles are essential. Kerr has to make the tough calls now to ensure the team is locked in when it matters most.