X-rays on Gary Payton's right hand revealed a non-displaced fracture in the point guard's right thumb.

Payton did not play last night against the Pistons and had the top of his thumb bandaged, but the Celtics expect him to play in the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night at the FleetCenter. It could be his first action in more than a week, since coach Doc Rivers may keep him out of practice for the remainder of the preseason. The injury will be reevaluated on a daily basis.

"I'm just going to take it one day at a time," said Payton. "We'll just keep treating and hopefully it will get better. I don't want people to think that something's wrong with my hand and then go after it in a basketball game. It will heal the way it should heal. The pain has gone away."

Rivers speculated that Payton would need "some tape job" to stabilize the thumb when he returns to action. From his own experience, Rivers knows that passing can be particularly difficult with a thumb injury.

"Obviously, it will affect his play," said Rivers. "It's his right hand. He's going to have to have some contraption on it."