Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse
While the Philadelphia 76ers are getting their core guys healthy at the right time, the backcourt still took a notable hit heading into the final week.
Following a blowout loss against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, the Sixers landed bad news on their veteran guard, Cam Payne.
During the Pistons game, the Sixers lost Payne to a hamstring injury.
The veteran guard was ruled out of the game after seeing the court for just eight minutes. He exited after shooting 33.3% from the field and scoring two points, along with producing three rebounds.
The Sixers Announce Bad Backcourt News
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 10: Dalen Terry #14 dumps water on Cameron Payne #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers after the 139-129 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 10, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Payne underwent an MRI on Sunday. The official diagnosis is a right hamstring strain. The Sixers announced that Payne will miss at least two weeks of action.
After this week, the 76ers will begin preparing for the NBA postseason. It’s unclear if they’ll land a top-six seed or will battle in the NBA Play-In Tournament for the seventh or eighth seed.
The Sixers’ final stretch begins on Monday, with a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. They will close out the schedule with games against the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, and the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Depth Takes A Hit
GettyTORONTO, CANADA – JANUARY 11: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Toronto Raptors during overtime of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 11, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Cam Payne was unlikely to play notable minutes in the postseason for the Sixers, but his absence certainly adds to the workload for Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
During Payne’s first stint with the Sixers, he averaged 12.2 minutes off the bench.
Since returning to the team, his minutes have been at 17.0 per game. A chunk of that time came during a period where Tyrese Maxey was out with a setback. Recently, Nick Nurse hasn’t been as generous with playing time for Payne.
During the March 28 game against the Charlotte Hornets (the return of Maxey), Payne played just two minutes. In the following game, he was a DNP.
While Payne returned to the court to face the Washington Wizards for 13 last Wednesday, he was back on the bench with a DNP against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
Payne has been shooting 33.0% from deep, scoring 7.4 points per game for the Sixers since returning. He is also producing averages of 2.6 assists and 2.0 rebounds.
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Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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