Cameron Payne Injury: Updates on Thunder Guard's Hip and Return

Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Cameron Payne missed Game 1 of his team's first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday due to a hip injury. However, he's ready to return to the court. 

Continue for updates.

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Payne Active vs. Mavericks

Monday, April 18

Thunder head coach Billy Donovan told reporters Payne has been cleared to play in Game 2 against Dallas on Monday. 

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Payne Provides Valuable Depth to Thunder Backcourt

Payne averaged only 12.2 minutes per game during the regular season, but that number ticked up down the stretch as Donovan entrusted him with a larger role. In five April appearances, Payne averaged 18.1 minutes while totaling 7.4 points and 3.0 assists per game. 

Having the guard back on the bench will allow the Thunder to spell Russell Westbrook more frequently and bolsters their depth as they look to make a deep playoff run.