New Orleans Pelicans point guard Elfrid Payton has missed the last eight games due to an ankle sprain, but it sounds like he's nearing a return, according to a report from ESPN's Malika Andrews.
Andrews reports that Payton will test his ankle prior to Wednesday night's game against the Timberwolves.
Point guard Elfrid Payton will test his right ankle before tonight’s game against Minnesota and could make his return in limited minutes, a league source tells ESPN. Payton has missed eight games with a sprain. New Orleans plans to ease him back into the rotation.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) November 14, 2018
There were some reports released last week that indicated Payton might be able to play, but that wasn't the case. He's currently listed as “questionable” for Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves. If he clears shootaround, he will likely play. If not, Wes Johnson, Tim Frazier or Frank Jackson will get the starting nod.
Johnson scored three points, five rebounds, one block, and one 3-pointer in 21 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
Payton is obviously an important member of New Orleans' rotation. In his five appearances with the team this season, the 24-year-old has racked up averages of 11.6 points on 50.0 percent shooting from the field (42.9 percent from beyond the arc), 6.4 assists, 6.0 rebounds and just under one steal (0.8) in 28.8 minutes per outing.
In other Pelicans injury news, Andrews reports that Nikola Mirotic will play after missing two games with an ankle injury.
After missing two games with an ankle injury, I’m told Pelicans’ Nikola Mirotic will play tonight against the Timberwolves.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) November 14, 2018
Wednesday night's Pelicans-Timberwolves match-up is scheduled to tip inside the Target Center at 8:00 p.m. EST with ESPN having live broadcast coverage. Additional information with regards to Payton's status will be released shortly before game time. If cleared for action, he could be placed on a minutes restriction.
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