Payton recorded one point (0-3 FG, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and three steals over 18 minutes during Sunday's 127-124 overtime victory over the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

Payton didn't have a lot of involvement on offense and although the one-point stat line reads poorly, at least he managed to make his presence felt in other categories throughout a limited 18-minute appearance. It's worth noting he only started because Cameron Payne (illness) and Chris Paul (thumb) were absent, so Payton should head back to the bench sooner than later. His next chance to play will come Wednesday at Minnesota.

Payton will start Sunday's contest against the Kings, Gerald Bourguet of GoPHNX.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Camerson Payne (illness) sidelined, Payton will draw his first start of the season. Aaron Holiday is also expected to see an increased role off the bench, but Devin Booker will likely handle the majority of the offensive playmaking responsibilities.

Payton produced two points (1-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt) and three assists over 14 minutes during Friday's 117-102 loss to the Pelicans.

EDGE Analysis

Payton logged just 14 minutes despite the fact the Suns were without their three primary point guard options. If nothing else, this indicates where Payton currently site in the team's pecking order. While he can have some limited value when handed sufficient playing time, it is hard to that happening based on Friday's performance.

Payton had 10 points (4-11 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 0-2 FT), six rebounds, nine assists and one steal over 22 minutes during Saturday's 132-105 win over Orlando.

EDGE Analysis

The lopsided nature of the score allowed Payton to see his most playing time since Oct. 23, and he took advantage of the opportunity with his first double-digit scoring effort since late October. The veteran point guard finished with season-high single-game marks in both assists and rebounds to register his best performance of the campaign. Despite the strong effort, Payton isn't likely to see minutes beyond the teens most nights.

Payton closed Thursday's 124-115 loss to the Hawks with zero points (0-1 FG), two rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 10 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Payton managed to dish out seven assists but offered very little else in the loss. Even without Cameron Payne who is out with a wrist injury, Payton has not been able to establish himself as a sizeable part of the rotation. He has not played more than 15 minutes since all the way back on December 19 and so chances are he remains a non-factor the rest of the way.

Payton (COVID-19) has cleared the NBA's health and safety protocols, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Payton has now been in and out of protocols twice during this week alone and has been cleared once again ahead of Friday's game against the Celtics. The 27-year-old has played a depth role behind Chris Paul and Cameron Payne this season, averaging 3.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 12.1 minutes per game.

Payton (COVID-19 health and safety protocols) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Thunder, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Payton was in league protocols on Sunday before returning to the court for Monday's loss to the Grizzlies, but he will now miss Wednesday's game after landing in the health and safety protocols for the second time this week. As a result, more minutes could be available for Landry Shamet and Cameron Payne.

Payton (COVID-19 health and safety protocols) played nine minutes and finished with two points (1-3 FG), two rebounds and one steal in Monday's 114-113 loss to the Grizzlies.

EDGE Analysis

Payton entered the health and safety protocols Sunday and appeared destined to miss time, but he was cleared hours before Monday's opening tip, suggesting he may have initially been ruled out due to a false positive test result. Regardless, Payton continued to handle a fringe role in the Phoenix rotation, as the absences of DeAndre Ayton and Jae Crowder due to health and safety protocols helped the veteran point guard pick up some minutes while the Suns relied more heavily on small-ball lineups. Once Phoenix has its full complement of players available, Payton likely won't have a spot on the second unit, as Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet both look to be ahead of him on the depth chart behind backcourt starters Chris Paul and Devin Booker.

Payton cleared the COVID-19 protocols and will be available for Monday's game against the Grizzlies, Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Payton landed in the health and safety protocols Sunday, but he was able to produce negative tests and clear the protocols in time to suit up Monday. The 27-year-old has played only seven minutes across the past three games and may not have a significant role with Phoenix's backcourt in full health.

Payton was placed in the league's health and safety protocols Sunday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Payton hadn't appeared in two of the last three contests, but he'll now be unavailable due to the league's health and safety protocols. Landry Shamet could see a slight uptick in usage while Payton is sidelined. It's not yet clear whether he's tested positive for COVID-19 or when he'll be able to return.