WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) – Boston Celtics guard Gary Payton was back at practice Sunday after missing a week with a broken thumb. He’s expected to be in the lineup for the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Payton broke his right thumb in an exhibition game against Cleveland last Monday. He had not played or practiced since.

Coach Doc Rivers wasn’t expecting any change Sunday, but when he came out for practice Payton was on the court, waiting.

“I had no idea,” Rivers said. “But I walked out and he was on the floor. I said, What are you doing here?”‘

Payton wore a hard splint over his right thumb, which has a non-displaced fracture, to keep it from bending backward. The team is working on a cushion for the splint that would meet the league’s approval; hard casts are not allowed.

Payton said he didn’t expect teammates to take it easy on him during practice, and he didn’t try to protect his thumb.

“I told them to just play normally,” he said. “I’ve got to play. I won’t think about it. If I think about it, I’ll fool around and make mistakes. I won’t catch the ball.”

Acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in an offseason trade, Payton averaged 14.6 points, 5.5 assists and 34.5 minutes last year – his lowest totals in 11 seasons. He has career averages of 18 points, 7.2 assists and 36.8 minutes.

After being traded, Payton said he did not want to play in Boston or move his family from the West Coast, and missed an Aug. 13 deadline for his physical. But he reported to the Celtics’ training camp on time.

The Celtics practiced for about 90 minutes Sunday and Payton played the first hour or so. When it was over, his hand was wrapped in a towel.

Boston opens the season against Philadelphia and former Celtics coach Jim O’Brien on Wednesday night. The Celtics’ projected starting lineup of Paul Pierce, Ricky Davis, Raef LaFrentz, Payton and Mark Blount started only two preseason games together.