The Warriors have been without a key contributor in Gary Payton II for the majority of their run to the NBA Finals.
Payton, who has become a defensive ace for Golden State, suffered a fractured left elbow and ligament damage after he was on the receiving end of a flagrant foul in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Grizzlies.
When Payton went down, the Warriors expressed optimism that he could return to action if they advanced to the Finals. Will he be available for Game 1?
Here is what we know about Payton's status.
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Is Gary Payton II playing tonight vs. Celtics?
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, Payton is "on track to dress and be available" for Game 1 of the Finals.
Payton is officially listed as questionable on the injury report.
Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II is on track to dress and be available for Game 1 of the NBA Finals vs. Boston tonight, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater. Remarkable return process for Payton after fracturing his left elbow on May 3.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 2, 2022
Through his first six playoff games, Payton averaged 7.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals over 18.0 minutes per contest. He was injured less than three minutes into his seventh postseason appearance.
Payton started in Games 1 and 2 of the West Semifinals and stands to play a key defensive role on Boston's perimeter scorers.
MORE: How did the Warriors get back to the NBA Finals?
What channel is Warriors vs. Celtics on?
- Date: Thursday, June 2
- TV channel: ABC
- Live streaming: Sling TV | Watch ESPN
Game 1 of the NBA Finals will air on ABC. Viewers can also stream Game 1 on Watch ESPN or Sling TV.
Viewers in the U.S. can stream every NBA Finals game live on SLING TV. With the SLING Orange Sports Extra package, get $10 off your first month now with access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT and NBATV. NBA Finals games on ABC are simulcast on ESPN3, which is included with SLING Orange, available for $35 per month including $25 the first month for new subscribers.
MORE: Watch the NBA Finals on Sling TV (U.S. only)
Warriors vs. Celtics start time
- Date: Thursday, June 2
- Time: 9 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. PT
Game 1 of the NBA Finals will tip off around 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 2. The game will be played at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Warriors vs. Celtics series schedule
Here is the full schedule for the 2022 NBA Finals.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| June 2 | Game 1 | 9 p.m. | ABC |
| June 5 | Game 2 | 8 p.m. | ABC |
| June 8 | Game 3 | 9 p.m. | ABC |
| June 10 | Game 4 | 9 p.m. | ABC |
| June 13 | Game 5* | 9 p.m. | ABC |
| June 16 | Game 6* | 9 p.m. | ABC |
| June 19 | Game 7* | 8 p.m. | ABC |
*If necessary
