The Oklahoma City Thunder may be getting some good news before the New Year.

Cameron Payne, who hasn't played a game this season due to a Jones fracture in his foot, may be returning to the court very soon.

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Payne should immediately slide back into the backup point guard role, which has been manned by Semaj Christon while he's been out.

Payne could make a big difference in alleviating some of the heavy burden Russell Westbrook has taken on this season.

Last year as a rookie, Payne averaged 5.0 points and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 32.4 percent from three. He was up and down as most rookies are and not always a consistent part of the rotation. But with the Thunder so low on creators offensively this season, Payne's impact could be much more significant.