Trail Blazers say they were confident Payton II was healthy

Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Payton II looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons in Portland, Ore., Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. It was Payton's first game of the year after fighting injuries. Payton underwent abdominal surgery in the offseason and initially hoped to be ready for the start of the regular season.The Blazers won 135-106. (Steve Dykes/AP)