Suns’ Elfrid Payton clears COVID-19 protocols, eligible to play vs. Grizzlies
Dec 27, 2021, 6:02 PM | Updated: 8:04 pm
Elfrid Payton #2 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the NBA preseason game at Footprint Center on October 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 117-105. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns guard Elfrid Payton has cleared the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols and is eligible to play in Monday night’s contest against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Suns made the announcement prior to Monday night’s tip-off after the guard was placed in protocols on Sunday.
While Phoenix will be getting Payton back from the league’s COVID-19 protocols, the team will still be missing two starters and its head coach.
That’s because forward Jae Crowder entered health and safety protocols with Payton on Sunday.
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Earlier on Monday, head coach Monty Williams and center Deandre Ayton were both put into the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols.
Suns assistant coach Kevin Young will serve as Phoenix’s acting head coach until Williams returns.
Ayton, Crowder and Payton were the first Suns players to be placed in health and safety protocols during the regular season.
Prior to the matchup with the Warriors on Saturday, Phoenix was one of the only NBA teams that had yet to place a single player in the league’s protocols.
But as of Monday, the Utah Jazz stand as the only team in the league yet to be affected in the month of December.
In the month of December, over 190 players in the NBA have been placed in COVID-19 protocols.
Players in health protocol must sit out six days or record two negative tests in a 24-hour span before returning to basketball activities.
The Suns host the Grizzlies at Footprint Center, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.
Catch all action on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
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