Alvarado returns from a calf injury that sidelined him for Thursday’s loss to the Bucks. However, he replaces Antonio Reeves in the starting lineup, not Payton. The other change of note is Kelley, who will start due to the absences of Yves Missi and Karl Matkovic.

Initially on a 10-day contract, the standard deal ensures Payton will be available for New Orleans’ final two games of the season. While the veteran point guard does not provide much value as a scorer, he’s been a positive asset in the assist category. Payton has averaged 9.6 assists per game over the past two weeks. How much he plays in the final two games depends on the availability of Jose Alvarado, who’s questionable for Friday’s game against the Heat.

After making his first appearance in nearly a month on March 21, Payton has reached double figures in assists in two straight outings. He racked up 14 in a March 24 win over the 76ers and had another 10 against the Warriors. Payton should not be rostered since he isn’t guaranteed to be active. When he is active, the veteran point guard serves as Jose Alvarado’s backup. Alvarado played 27 minutes on Friday, finishing with 10 points, three rebounds, four assists, and one blocked shot. Only rostered in 16 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Alvarado is the player who should be added by fantasy managers needing a point guard at this stage in the season.