The Suns anticipate that guards Landry Shamet and Cameron Payne will be back in action next Thursday against Oklahoma City in the team’s first game after the All-Star break, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM in Phoenix (Twitter link).
Shamet has been dealing with a right-ankle sprain and hasn’t played since Jan. 30, missing the Suns’ last nine games. He spoke earlier this week about having rushed back too quickly from ankle injuries in the past and not wanting to make that same mistake again this time. If he returns next Thursday, it’s a safe bet that he feels like he’s back to 100%.
Meanwhile, a right wrist injury has sidelined Payne for Phoenix’s last 12 games — he hasn’t played since Jan. 24. With Payne unavailable, Elfrid Payton has taken the reins as Chris Paul‘s primary backup at point guard, but Payne should reclaim that role when he returns next week.
Of course, we still don’t know for sure that Paul himself will be in the lineup next Thursday. The star point guard reportedly underwent an MRI on Thursday on his injured right hand and the Suns have yet to provide an official update on his status. If CP3 has to miss any time, Phoenix will at least be getting some backcourt reinforcements in the form of Shamet and Payne.
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