Chris Paul didn’t participate in the Suns‘ practice on Wednesday and he’s not expected to play when their series with the Nuggets resumes Friday night in Phoenix, writes Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Although the team is listing Paul as day-to-day with a strained left groin, sources tell Rankin that he’s expected to miss at least a week, which lines up with another report from Tuesday night.
Paul suffered the injury midway through the third quarter of Game 2 while jumping for a defensive rebound. He grabbed at his groin area when he landed and was quickly replaced. Game 4 is Sunday, and it appears Paul’s next realistic chance to play will be next Tuesday in Game 5 if the Suns can extend the series without their veteran leader.
“Gratefully, he didn’t tear it or something like that where he’s done for the season,” coach Monty Williams said. “You always have to look at the bright side of a tough situation. We’re just grateful that it wasn’t worse than we thought.”
There’s more from Phoenix:
- Paul’s spot in the starting lineup is likely to go to Cameron Payne, Rankin adds. Payne, who replaced Paul after the Game 2 injury, started a career-high 15 games this season when Paul was unavailable. Payne recently returned from a lower back injury that limited him to four total minutes in the first-round series.
- With the team needing more production from its bench, Williams indicated that Terrence Ross and T.J. Warren could have larger roles in Game 3, Rankin adds in another Arizona Republic story. Both players were acquired in February to boost the Suns’ offense, but they’ve seen limited action during the playoffs. “I can do a better job of putting more scorers on the floor and living with whatever warts may come with that just to free those guys up so they don’t have to do it every single time down the floor,” Williams said. “We’ll make those adjustments accordingly.”
- Phoenix could try to land Kyrie Irving in a sign-and-trade deal this summer, speculates John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (audio link). His reasoning is that Kevin Durant enjoys having Irving as a teammate, even though things didn’t work out as planned in Brooklyn, and Irving faces a limited market in free agency. Gambadoro states that the deal could see Deandre Ayton shipped to the Mavericks, who need to find a reliable center.
Yes, because Irving and Durant worked so well together in Brooklyn. Don’t cave to KD’s demands, Mr. Ishbia. KD will turn on you if you show any weakness because he’s a snake like that.
Wth you doing with CP3 then?
They can cut him for half the cash 15 mill or try and cobble his 30 mill sal off for expirings as well next deadline with sone 2Nd rders
That’s a great deal for DAL, getting Ayton for Kyrie… gets the ball back on Luka’s hands and that’s always a win-win, right?
Ayton + maybe but Aytons contract is not a great deal for any team.
Ayton has more value than Kyrie at this point. Kyrie has too much baggage and has caused problems for every team he’s played for. He also has phantom injuries or times when he just doesn’t show up. Shipping Kyrie for Ayton would be a great move for Dallas.
Chris Paul hurt again…….. oh No
I’ve read he has a nutritionist. And spends a lot of money taking care of his body. He got that from Bron. So it’s just crazy how often he is hurt at end of season. It’s always this version it seems. gotta be more than just bad luck.
Getting Kyrie is a bad enough idea. But giving up Ayton. That’s gotta be the Dumbest shhh I’ve ever heard. Worse than giving away Wiseman.
I’ve always liked CP3s game. But looking back at his career. I rather do it without him.
S&T Kyrie for Ayton would be a gift to the Mavs.
Kyrie will not be a Mav next season. It didn’t work!
Kyrie can’t play with Luka, what makes anyone think he can play with Booker?