76ers Lose Veteran Guard Cameron Payne to Hamstring Injury

Payne's absence will be a blow to Philadelphia's playoff push.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:03am

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The Philadelphia 76ers have suffered a setback in their playoff chase, as veteran guard Cameron Payne has been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season due to a right hamstring strain. Payne, who was signed mid-season from the Serbian side Partizan-Belgrade, has been a productive bench player for the Sixers, averaging 7.4 points and 2.6 assists in 22 appearances.

Why it matters

The loss of Payne is a significant blow to the 76ers, who are currently jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Payne has provided valuable depth and experience off the bench, and his absence will force the team to rely more heavily on other backcourt options like Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr., Kyle Lowry, and MarJon Beauchamp.

The details

Payne underwent imaging on his leg, which confirmed the hamstring strain. He is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks, which will take him beyond the end of the regular season. The 76ers will have to reevaluate Payne's status at that time.

  • Payne exited Saturday night's game against the Detroit Pistons due to the injury.
  • Payne underwent imaging on April 5, 2026, which confirmed the hamstring strain.
  • Payne is expected to be out for at least two weeks, which will take him beyond the end of the regular season.

The players

Cameron Payne

A veteran guard who was signed by the Philadelphia 76ers mid-season from the Serbian side Partizan-Belgrade. He has been a productive bench player for the Sixers, averaging 7.4 points and 2.6 assists in 22 appearances.

Joel Embiid

The former MVP and franchise cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers, who has been struggling to stay on the court this season.

Nick Nurse

The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, who still has plenty of depth in the backcourt to fill the void left by Payne's injury.

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What they’re saying

“Payne had an MRI today and it confirmed his strained hamstring. He will be out for at least two weeks, which takes him beyond the end of the regular season. He will be reevaluated then.”

— Tony Jones, Reporter, The Athletic

What’s next

The 76ers' first game without Payne will come on Monday night when they take on the San Antonio Spurs.

The takeaway

The loss of Cameron Payne is a significant setback for the Philadelphia 76ers as they push for a playoff spot. The team will have to rely on its depth in the backcourt to fill the void left by Payne's absence, which could prove challenging as the regular season winds down.