Payne (coach's decision) went unused off the bench Monday in the 76ers' 119-109 loss to the Heat.

EDGE Analysis

With all of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Kelly Oubre and Joel Embiid returning to action for Philadelphia within the past three games following extended absences, Payne is one of several 76ers supporting players who has fallen out of the rotation. Before failing to receive any minutes Monday, Payne had appeared in each of Philadelphia's first 20 games out of the All-Star break and averaged 7.8 points, 2.8 assists, 1.9 rebounds, 1.6 three-pointers and 1.2 steals in 17.6 minutes.

Payne closed Monday's 123-103 loss to the Thunder with 10 points (4-11 FG, 2-7 3Pt), two rebounds, six assists and two steals across 26 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Payne had a terrific showing off the bench and continues to play a key role for a Philadelphia team that has been hammered by injuries of late. Over his last eight games, he's averaging 12.3 points, 3.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 2.4 three-pointers in 22.0 minutes per contest.

Payne accumulated 11 points (5-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 20 minutes during Sunday's 109-103 win over Portland.

EDGE Analysis

With Tyrese Maxey (finger) out for another several weeks, Payne should continue battling for minutes with Justin Edwards and Trendon Watford. Payne has averaged 15.2 points, 3.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 3.0 three-pointers in 23.9 minutes per tilt in his last five games, converting 46.9 percent of his three-point tries.

Payne finished Tuesday's 139-129 win over the Grizzlies with 32 points (9-10 FG, 8-8 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 10 assists, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks over 30 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

The 76ers received the devastating news before Tuesday's game that Tyrese Maxey will miss at least the next three weeks due to a tendon injury in his right pinkie finger. The absence of the two-time All-Star opened the door for opportunities for Payne, who gave the Sixers a much-needed spark off the bench after starting Monday's game against the Hornets. The move out of the starting five didn't impact the veteran southpaw, who proceeded to record career highs in points and three-pointers made. He missed just one of his 10 field-goal attempts and also got his teammates involved with a game-high 10 dimes for his first double-double since April 2024. Whether he comes off the bench or starts, it appears as though Payne will benefit the most from Maxey's absence in terms of production and opportunities.

Payne is not in the Sixers' starting lineup against the Grizzlies on Tuesday, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

Payne made his first start for the 76ers in Monday's 115-101 loss to the Cavaliers, when he finished with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and two three-pointers over 28 minutes. Even though Tyrese Maxey (finger) is not playing Tuesday, Payne will still revert to a bench role due to the return of VJ Edgecombe (back).

Payne provided 12 points (4-12 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes during Monday's 115-101 loss to the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

Payne got the starting nod, replacing Tyrese Maxey, who was ruled out due to a finger injury. Although Payne's overall production was nothing too exciting, the fact that he played 28 minutes is a great sign for his short-term fantasy appeal. With very little depth at the point guard position, Philadelphia will need to lean on Payne until Maxey is cleared to return, making him a viable asset, particularly with another four games for the 76ers this week.

Payne will start Monday's game against the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

With Tyrese Maxey (finger) joining Joel Embiid (oblique), VJ Edgecombe (back) and Paul George (suspension) on the sidelines, Payne will enter the starting five for the first time this season. The veteran guard has averaged 5.3 points, 3.0 assists, 1.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 17.0 minutes per game over his last three outings, though he should see a sizable bump in minutes Monday.

Payne supplied 10 points (4-11 FG, 2-8 3Pt), two rebounds, two assists and two steals over 26 minutes during Tuesday's 131-91 loss to San Antonio.

EDGE Analysis

With VJ Edgecombe (back) and Kelly Oubre (illness) both out for Wednesday's tilt against Utah, Payne is a candidate for an expanded role in the interim. The 26 minutes were a season high for Payne on Tuesday, and it wouldn't be surprising if he hovered around that number once again for the banged-up 76ers on Wednesday.

Payne posted two points (1-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt) and one steal across 16 minutes during Tuesday's 135-114 win over the Pacers.

EDGE Analysis

Payne continues to play a limited role for his new team, having now scored a total of just 10 points across four games. While he has managed to add six steals during that time, the fact that he is averaging 12.6 minutes should be enough to deter fantasy managers when it comes to considering him a viable asset.

Payne is expected to sign with the 76ers for the rest of the season, NBA reporter Marc Stein reports Monday.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran guard is securing a buyout in Europe with Partizan Belgrade. Payne has a lot of NBA experience and has a chance to carve out a rotation role with the 76ers. Across 477 career regular-season games, Payne holds averages of 7.8 points and 3.2 assists.