In an ironic twist, the NBA Finals might mark the healthiest the Warriors have been all season.
Thursday morning’s update increased that likelihood. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Gary Payton II, who has been out with a fracture in his left elbow since the Conference Semifinals, is expected to suit up and be available for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Payton may not be able to jump right back into his pre-injury rotation, which involved him playing heavy minutes off the bench and even closing games at times, but his defensive value will be huge for Golden State even in spot minutes.
Additionally, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters that Otto Porter (foot) and Andre Iguodala (neck), the latter of which has played just three games this postseason, may also be available.
That would mean Golden State has the compliment of their full roster aside from James Wiseman, something that has not been the case since the beginning of the postseason.
The Celtics are also close to full strength ahead of Game 1. Marcus Smart (ankle) was removed from the injury report on Wednesday. Defensive stalwart Robert Williams remains the lone question, but should be available, if limited, as he recovers from knee surgery.