NBA teams
ESPN.com 6y

Rumor Central: Elfrid Payton needs more time?

The Orlando Magic have been without starting point guard Elfrid Payton since Oct. 20 when he strained his left hamstring in the game against the Brooklyn Nets. Payton has been working with the training staff to recover from the injury and while it has improved, he is not ready to rejoin the active roster.

"He looked good again [during Tuesday's practice]," head coach Frank Vogel told the Orlando Sentinel. "He still has some tightness in there that we're concerned about. So we'll see how he feels [Wednesday]. If it’s significant, then we’ll hold him out again."

If Payton isn't cleared to play Wednesday against New York, the next opportunities this week will come Friday at Phoenix and Saturday at Denver.

Until Payton or DJ Augustin (strained left hamstring) return to the lineup, Vogel may continue to start Shelvin Mack or Jonathon Simmons at point guard.

-- Nick Silva

^ Back to Top ^