The New Orleans Pelicans are finally catching a break. Point guard Elfrid Payton is finally making his way back from injury after missing 30 out of the last 31 games. Payton has suffered two injuries this year, first a sprained ankle then a broken finger, that has forced him to miss all but six games this season.

This year with Payton in the rotation, the Pelicans are 5-1. The only game they lost with Payton in the lineup was a game that Anthony Davis had to sit due to an injured elbow. Payton gives the Pelicans a solid pure point guard, as Jrue Holiday, who plays much better at shooting guard, has been starting at the point.

Elfrid Payton averaged 9.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds over the six games he was able to play. In the first game of the season, Payton had a 10 point, ten assists, and ten rebound triple-double against the Houston Rockets. He also brings some three-point shooting to the lineup, with a 43% three-point percentage.

It is exciting to see Elfrid Payton return to the rotation for a Pelicans team that really needs him. If Payton can return to early-season form, the Pelicans can find themselves back into playoff contention.

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