Payton Will Play Injured

Boston Celtic guard Gary Payton was back at practice Sunday after missing a week because of a broken thumb. He’s expected to be in the lineup for the Wednesday season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Payton broke his right thumb in an exhibition game against Cleveland last Monday. He had not played or practiced since.

Coach Doc Rivers wasn’t expecting any change Sunday, but when he came out for practice Payton was on the court, waiting.

“I had no idea,” Rivers said. “But I walked out and he was on the floor. I said, ‘What are you doing here?’ ”

Payton wore a hard splint over his right thumb, which has a non-displaced fracture, to keep it from bending backward. The team is working on a cushion for the splint that would meet the league’s approval; hard casts are not allowed.

Payton said he didn’t expect teammates to take it easy on him during practice, and he didn’t try to protect his thumb.

“I told them to just play normally,” he said. “I’ve got to play. I won’t think about it. If I think about it, I’ll fool around and make mistakes. I won’t catch the ball.”

Acquired from the Lakers in an off-season trade, Payton averaged 14.6 points, 5.5 assists and 34.5 minutes last year -- his lowest totals in 11 seasons. He has career averages of 18 points, 7.2 assists and 36.8 minutes.

Payton practiced for about an hour. When it was over, his hand was wrapped in a towel.

*

Sacramento King backup center Greg Ostertag will be on the active roster despite recovering from a broken hand, Coach Rick Adelman said. Guard Doug Christie, suffering from tender foot tissue, probably will learn his status today.