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New Orleans Pelicans guard Elfrid Payton will miss Monday night's game against the Denver Nuggets with a right ankle sprain.
#Pelicans injury report – 10.29 at DEN: pic.twitter.com/O8X0M6QQzb
— Pelicans PR (@PelicansPR) October 28, 2018
Elfrid Payton left Saturday night's game against the Utah Jazz in the second half. He slipped while guarding Utah Jazz guard Ricky Rubio and fell after that mishap as well. He was able to get back on offense, and although he left the game it doesn't appear to be a serious injury.
The Pelicans guard has been having a solid averaging 11.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in 5 games this season. He has provided versatility alongside fellow guard Jrue Holiday and is able to spread the ball to the other playmakers on the team.
Payton was traded from the Orlando Magic to the Phoenix Suns after 44 games last season. While his stats were better on paper in past seasons, he is playing alongside one of the better guards in the league. Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday handles the ball a lot as well, and is the much better shooter between the two.
In Payton's absence guard Ian Clark will presumably get more minutes. Clark has averaged 6.0 points in four games this season. He has not been very productive so far, but that could change with more minutes.
Elfrid Payton will be monitored in the coming days. Unfortunately, superstar Anthony Davis looks like he could miss some time as well with an elbow injury. The Pelicans will miss two of their starters if they are off the court at the same time.
