Suns’ Payne, Ayton questionable for Thursday against Rockets

The Phoenix Suns ruled center Deandre Ayton and backup point guard Cameron Payne as questionable for Thursday night’s home game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

Ayton was previously questionable for Tuesday’s Suns matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, and he did not suit up. Payne was ruled out.

Both players were limited in practice Wednesday, according to head coach Monty Williams. The head coach also said Payne was able to do more work than Ayton.

The Suns’ fourth-year center exited Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter with a right leg contusion.

He had 17 points and 12 rebounds at that point, his second-straight double-double.

JaVale McGee started in his place Tuesday. He scored 18 points and his backup Frank Kaminsky came up clutch with 17 off the bench in a win over New Orleans.

Payne has missed the last four games with a right hamstring strain.

Elfrid Payton has had to step into the backup point guard role, playing over 15 minutes per game after Payne’s injury.

Monty Williams said Deandre Ayton did some court work today. Cam Payne did a little bit more too. Still limited, though, and obviously no chance to do 5-on-5 with game/practice/game

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) November 3, 2021

Phoenix’s matchup against Houston will tipoff at 7 p.m. from the Footprint Center. You can listen live at 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

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