Warriors' Payton out at least week due to calf

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LOS ANGELES -- The reeling Golden State Warriors will be without guard Gary Payton II for at least a week because of a mild left calf strain.

Payton, one of the team's best defenders, underwent an MRI on Thursday. The team said he will be reevaluated in a week.

Payton first injured his left calf in a win at Minnesota on Nov. 21. He missed Monday's loss to Indiana but returned to play in Golden State's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day before checking out of that game with 9:27 remaining in the fourth quarter. Payton was seen limping off the floor before heading to the locker room.

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The Warriors have lost 11 of their past 14 games since starting the season 12-3.

Coach Steve Kerr also said Stephen Curry could miss one of the team's next two games to manage his health. The Warriors play at the LA Clippers on Friday and at home on Saturday against Phoenix.

Curry has been dealing with bilateral pain in his knees and has said that the medical staff initially discussed him sitting out a game or two to keep the issue from worsening. Curry, 36, scored 38 points in 36 minutes in the loss to the Lakers.

Kerr has admitted that he has been searching for and trying a variety of lineups and rotations during this Warriors' slump. Losing Payton for at least a week leaves Kerr without one of his best perimeter defenders and most athletic guards.

Payton is averaging 4.6 points in 13.1 minutes per game.

Warriors' Payton out at least week due to calf

Warriors' Payton out at least week due to calf

Warriors' Payton out at least week due to calf

Warriors' Payton out at least week due to calf

Warriors' Payton out at least week due to calf