Payton’s Status Remains Unclear

SuperSonics point guard Gary Payton is unlikely to play tonight against San Antonio at KeyArena in Seattle. In a win at Minnesota Wednesday, Payton suffered an avulsion fracture of his right ankle when he caught it under the scorer’s table while saving the ball from going out-of-bounds.

Ligaments tore away from a small bone in Payton’s right foot.

Payton was examined Thursday in Seattle, but the swelling in his ankle prevented a prognosis from being made, according to the Sonics.

If the All-Star guard cannot play, Nate McMillan will take his place.

Payton is expected to be examined again today.