76ers' Cameron Payne Out at Least 2 Weeks with Hamstring Injury

Payne's absence will test Philly's depth as they prepare for the playoffs.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Philadelphia 76ers have suffered another injury blow, as third-string point guard Cameron Payne has been ruled out for at least two weeks with a hamstring injury sustained in the team's recent loss to the Detroit Pistons. Payne had emerged as a key depth piece for the 76ers earlier in the season, providing valuable minutes when the team's star players were sidelined due to injuries.

Why it matters

The 76ers are currently sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings and are working to secure a playoff spot. Payne's absence will test the team's depth as they make a push towards the postseason, especially with the recent returns of stars like Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George.

The details

Payne averaged 7.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in 17 minutes per contest this season. He had a 32-point game earlier in the year when the 76ers were depleted by injuries. Head coach Nick Nurse has been running a nine-man rotation to try and secure the team's playoff position, with Andre Drummond and Adem Bona splitting backup center duties.

  • On Saturday night, Payne sustained the hamstring injury in the 76ers' 116-93 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
  • Payne is expected to be out for at least two weeks, keeping him out of action for the rest of the regular season and the start of the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

The players

Cameron Payne

A third-string point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers who has emerged as a key depth piece for the team this season.

Joel Embiid

A star player for the Philadelphia 76ers who has recently returned from injury.

Tyrese Maxey

A star player for the Philadelphia 76ers who has recently returned from injury.

Paul George

A star player for the Philadelphia 76ers who has recently returned from injury.

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The 76ers looked dead in the water when their star trio was out of action, but they have since climbed the East standings and are currently sitting in sixth place — which would give them an outright playoff berth if the season were to end today.”

— Jedd Pagaduan, Author

What’s next

The 76ers will need to find ways to fill the void left by Payne's absence as they continue their push towards the playoffs. The team's depth will be tested, and they will need other players to step up in order to secure a postseason berth.

The takeaway

The 76ers' injury woes continue, as they now must deal with the loss of Cameron Payne for at least two weeks due to a hamstring injury. This setback comes as the team is working to secure a playoff spot, and it will test their depth and resilience as they make a final push towards the postseason.