The fears on Gary Payton II's elbow injury have become reality as the Golden State Warriors received an update on his playing status.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Payton is expected out of the Warriors lineup for at least three weeks. While that would hardly be a long-term injury during the regular season, that would keep GPII out for at least the next two rounds, never mind a return to this series.

Sources: MRI on Warriors guard Gary Payton II showed slight ligament damage along with his fractured left elbow. He will miss at least three weeks and has not ruled out a return in the NBA Finals.

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If there was a series where the Warriors needed Gary Payton II, it's this one. His role was to slow down the Grizzlies' biggest threat in Ja Morant all series. With him out early in Game 2, Morant went off for 47 points the rest of the way.

Golden State has just as much offensive firepower from their backcourt, but GPII was far and away their best guard defender. He had both the athleticism and speed to at least keep up with Ja Morant. Hopefully, Gary Payton II can make a swift recovery and come back stronger, whether it's in these playoffs or for the regular season.