Suns’ Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet available vs. Knicks; R.J. Barrett out

Phoenix Suns guards Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet are available for the team’s matchup against the New York Knicks on Monday.

Guard Devin Booker and forwards Cameron Johnson and Jae Crowder remain out.

For the Knicks, guard R.J. Barrett is out due to a lacerated right index finger, while guard Jalen Brunson is available with right hip soreness.

Payne last played on Dec. 13 when a foot injury sidelined him for nine games. Before going down, the guard was averaging 12.7 points on 41.6% shooting to go along with 5.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds on 24.8 minutes per game (26 contests played).

He will likely slide back in as the team’s backup option at the point behind Chris Paul, who is coming off a 20-point, 12-assist performance in a loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Shamet has been on the shelf the past three games with an Achilles injury. In 25 games played this season, the guard is averaging 9.4 points, two assists and 1.3 rebounds over 19.5 minutes per contest.

With the pair of guards sidelined, Duane Washington Jr. saw added playing time, averaging 17.1 minutes per game over the last five matchups. That’s up from his average mark of nine over his first 15 games played.

He made the most of the opportunity, too, chipping in 14.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and four assists. He shot 42.4% from the field and 40.7% from long range.

Phoenix looks to avoid a third-straight loss after dropping back-to-back matchups to the Washington Wizards and Raptors.

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