The Phoenix Suns continue to have problems and those problems have been consistent with injuries, and for Payne, this is nothing new to him.
After missing nine games with a sore right foot, he came back Wednesday night against the Cavaliers only to re-injure his foot. As of right now, there is no timetable for his return, the Suns are monitoring the situation as the speculation continues to build.
Payne only played nine minutes in the first half, he didn’t return to the game after tripping over Donovan Mitchell with 48 seconds to go in the first.
His stat line was 1-of-5 from the field with 2 points and 2 assists.
According to the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid has been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets.
The plan is for the team to reevaluate the 30-year-old hours before their game on Friday; it would be a quick turnaround. However, he is already progressing, so there is a possibility of him playing.
Embiid suffered a right sinus fracture during their game against the Indiana Pacers on December 13th; Philadelphia said they would reevaluate him a week from then.
Overall, Embiid has only played six games this season. This is mainly due to suspension, this current injury, and looming knee issues.
According to multiple reports headlined by Marc Stein, the Atlanta Hawks want to trade Clint Capela’s expiring contract by this year’s trade deadline.
For those unaware, the 30-year-old is making $22.4 million this season, with him becoming an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Atlanta is reportedly not interested in re-signing him.
Onyeka Okongwu, when Capela is no longer with the franchise, is expected to handle the starting center position. The Hawks believe the young big man can handle those responsibilities.
Capela is averaging 10.0 points and 9.4 rebounds in 27 games this season.