Suns PG Cam Payne set to return Saturday, Hawks PF John Collins to start

Phoenix Suns point guard Cam Payne will return to the rotation on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks after missing five consecutive games due to a hamstring injury, head coach Monty Williams confirmed pregame.

.@campayne's ready for action!#YouDoYou | @PlayAtGila pic.twitter.com/BwBXoPAmMy

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 7, 2021

Payne appeared in the first two games of the season, averaging 7.0 points per game in 16.5 minutes.

The backup guard was going through non-contact drills earlier in the week.

Third-string guard Elfrid Payton has averaged 6.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 15.0 minutes per game during Payne’s five-game absence.

Center Deandre Ayton will miss Saturday’s game for Phoenix because of a right leg contusion.

After a slow start to the year, the Suns’ bench has started to pick up steam. As one of the first players off the bench, Payne hopes to help keep the second unit on the right projection.

The Hawks are not without injuries of their own. Big man John Collins was a game-time decision due to a left foot strain but will start, while guard Bogdan Bogdanovic is available despite battling right ankle soreness, head coach Nate McMillan told the media.

The Suns tip-off against the Hawks at 7:00 p.m. on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

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