The Golden State Warriors hope to avoid a near-fatal 3-0 deficit in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs Thursday when they host the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors have struggled on the road this season but remain juggernauts at home and will now have to win two games to maintain a strong chance at winning the series.

The Warriors are already going to be without Draymond Green after his actions from Game 2 led to a suspension for this game. They’ve also listed three key players in their rotation as questionable for the contest. Here’s a look at their statuses.

Warriors Injury Report vs. Kings

Andrew Wiggins (shoulder) – questionable
Jordan Poole (ankle) – questionable
Gary Payton II (illness) – questionable

Wiggins likely has some issues as he continues to ramp up to basketball shape, though his performance in Game 2 was much better than Game 1. Poole has struggled, so clearly the ankle is bothering him more than expected. However, the Warriors would still want him on the floor especially since they’re down Green no matter what. Payton II’s status is a bit more up in the air given how illnesses can go south quickly, but I’d expect all three players to be able to suit up in Game 3.

It’s far from an ideal scenario at the moment for the Warriors, who have their backs against the wall after losing the first two game of the series in Sacramento. While there’s a golden opportunity for them to finally win a game in the series comes this Thursday with a game at Chase Center, where they are way more comfortable than in enemy territory, the Warriors might be severely shorthanded if all three players with questionable tags get ultimately ruled out for Game 3.

Stephen Curry is already carrying a heavy load on offense and he’s expected to have even more on his plate, as the Warriors look to avoid falling down the dreaded 3-0 series hole.

Backups Moses Moody, Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Lamb, and Jonathan Kuminga, plus Kevon Looney all stand to see increased playing time if the Warriors have additional absences beyond Green.