Warriors' Gary Payton feeling 'like myself'; probable vs. Wolves

SAN FRANCISCO — Gary Payton II is considered probable for the Golden State Warriors' game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, coach Steve Kerr said.

Payton scrimmaged on Friday and was a full participant at the team's light practice Saturday afternoon. He will warm up on Sunday with the intent to play. The final decision will come before tipoff.

«I'm starting to feel like myself,» Payton said. «I missed a lot of games this year so I'm just ready to get back out on the court with the guys and wrap this up for the homestretch.»

Payton has been out since Feb. 8 — when he was on the Portland Trail Blazers — and has played in just 15 games this season due to a right adductor injury stemming from an offseason procedure.

Payton was acquired from the Trail Blazers at the trade deadline in a deal that was initially held up after the Warriors raised concerns about his physical exam. After deciding to move forward with the deal, the Warriors determined Payton would be reevaluated in one month.

On Saturday, he said he's feeling the best he has felt all year.

«At the beginning of the year, working through the little pains and bumps and bruises from the offseason, I feel pretty good,» Payton said. «Every day getting my body right, a little maintenance, fine-tuning, we had a little extra time to do all of that and get [my body] where it needs to be.»

Payton's reintegration with the Warriors comes with just seven games remaining in their regular-season schedule. And while his familiarity with the team, and its familiarity with him, will lead to a smoother transition in some ways — Payton said it will be like riding a bike — Kerr expects there to be a reacclimation period.

«I don't think anything is seamless in the NBA