Adreian Payne injury: Hawks' rookie out against Hornets

Adreian Payne remains day-to-day due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot and has been ruled out by the Atlanta Hawks for Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Payne has yet to make his regular season debut for the Hawks. He was a healthy inactive for the opener in Toronto but has been on the injured list for each of the last two games.

Payne isn't the only Hawks' player that has yet to get in a game this season. Neither John Jenkins or Mike Muscala have logged a minute of playing time. Muscala has been in uniform for each of the first three games but is behind centers Al Horford, Elton Brand and Pero Antic in the rotation. Jenkins has been inactive for each of the first three games.

Mike Budenholzer told the AJC's Chris Vivlamore on Thursday that he and the Hawks see the D-League as a viable option. Atlanta could eventually opt to send down some of their younger players as a means of getting them some regular playing time.

"I believe in taking advantage of opportunities. Young players need to play. If we can play them in our games, that's probably better but it's hard to get everybody in. We have a lot of good choices, a lot of good options. If the time is right and it's appropriate, I very much believe in the D-League."

It doesn't appear that any move is imminent but its something to keep an eye on should the roster stay healthy.