Warriors G Gary Payton II out for Game 1, not series

Gary Payton II could still return during the Western Conference finals, but the defensive whiz will not play in Game 1 against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday due to his elbow injury.

Head coach Steve Kerr said the Warriors are encouraged by Payton's activity, which was largely limited to right-hand dominant work at practice on Tuesday.

Payton could play in the best-of-seven series, but the Warriors plan to take his a