Cameron

Payne

Payne, who spent last season with the Knicks, was signed to a training camp deal by the Pacers after T.J. McConnell and Delon Wright were injured during preseason games. However, the veteran guard did not take advantage of his opportunity, with Taelon Peter outplaying him. During Friday’s preseason finale against the Spurs, Peter played 22 minutes off the bench while Payne logged 15.

The Pacers will roll out against the Spurs what could very well be their opening-night starting lineup. This same unit started the preseason opener against the Timberwolves, with neither of the five players logging more than 14 minutes in that game. With one preseason game remaining after Monday’s, there’s a chance the main rotation players could see an increase in playing time against the Spurs. Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker and Cameron Payne will move back to the bench.

Payne will compete for a spot in Indiana’s final rotation. He’s got a shot to compete due to Tyrese Haliburton’s season-long absence and a number of key injuries across the roster. Wright will look to join another NBA team before the 2025-26 campaign tips off.

With the Knicks trailing the Pistons by eight at the end of the third quarter, the home team needed a spark in Saturday’s series opener. Enter Payne, who hit two three-pointers and shot 4-of-5 from the field in the fourth. His production was part of a 21-0 Knicks run that swung the game’s momentum, compensating for fellow reserve Miles McBride’s (one rebound, four assists, and one steal) failure to score in his 15 minutes on the court. Payne can be erratic, but days like Saturday serve as a reminder of the value he can bring to the table. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night.

The Knicks rested four starters for Sunday’s game, including Jalen Brunson, so Payne was in the starting lineup. As is usually the case for the veteran backup, it was an adventure, but he made big plays on both ends of the court down the stretch to get New York its 51st win. Payne will return to the bench for the playoffs, which the Knicks will begin on Saturday or Sunday when the Pistons visit for Game 1.

Towns did not play in Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers, while Brunson was active for both games of New York’s final back-to-back. With the Knicks having secured the three-seed in the East, there isn’t anything on the line for Sunday’s game. Cameron Payne and Mitchell Robinson are the likely starters if Towns and Brunson do not play.

The Knicks still need a win to lock up the three-seed in the East. Brunson and McBride should be available for Tuesday’s game between the playoff implications and the probable tags. Cameron Payne benefits the most when either is unavailable, while Delon Wright would enter the rotation if Brunson and McBride are out.

Sunday’s game will be McBride’s first since March 20, while Payne played rotation minutes off the bench in Saturday’s win over the Hawks. The Knicks will have their full point guard rotation against the Suns, as starter Jalen Brunson is also available. His presence means that McBride and Payne will provide limited fantasy value coming off the bench.

Payne is dealing with a minor ankle tweak but is on track to play on Sunday. He likely won’t start with Jalen Brunson ready for a return, so he and Miles McBride should be prepared to serve smaller roles than they have lately.

Payne will be back after a four-game absence, but he won’t return to the starting unit. He’ll play the backup point guard minutes behind Delon Wright, which will likely push rookie Tyler Kolek out of the rotation. With Jalen Brunson set to return on Sunday, Wright will only have one more game of streaming appeal.