Likely to return Thursday The Suns expect Payne (wrist) to be ready to play in the team's first game following the All-Star break Thursday at Oklahoma City, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports. Impact Payne missed the Suns' final 13 games before the break due to a sprained right wrist, but he looks like he'll be ready to practice fully when the Suns reconvene this week. Assuming he assuages any concern about the health of his wrist, Payne will likely step into an elevated role with Phoenix right off the bat after starting point guard Chris Paul was diagnosed with a thumb injury that is expected to sideline him for 6-to-8 weeks. Head coach Monty Williams hasn't revealed the Suns' plans sans Paul, but even if Devin Booker shifts over to point guard, Payne will likely be one of several players that notices an uptick in minutes over the next few weeks. With averages of 10.4 points, 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 three-pointers in 20.4 minutes per game over his first 40 appearances of the season, Payne had already been producing well while Paul was healthy, so Payne makes for a worthy pickup in most 12-team leagues now that he's primed to see more playing time.
FEBRUARY 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
