Suns guard Chris Paul suffered a groin injury in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Nuggets, adding a new entry to a long list of ailments throughout his career.
Paul, who is set to turn 38 on Saturday, has something of an extensive injury history, especially in the playoffs. In 2021, Paul missed two games after contracting COVID-19. He also suffered a shoulder injury but didn’t miss any time.
In 2018, while with Houston, Paul suffered a pulled hamstring and missed the final two games of the Western Conference finals. Now, he’s set to miss at least a few games again.
Needless to say, the Suns will need Paul back sooner rather than later. The Nuggets have taken a 2-0 lead over Phoenix, though the series shifts back to the Valley for Games 3 and 4.
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Here’s when you can expect the Suns guard back on the court vs. the Nuggets:
What is Chris Paul’s injury?
Paul suffered a left groin strain during the Suns’ Game 2 matchup vs. the Nuggets, exiting the game with time ticking down in the third quarter.
Paul jumped for an offensive rebound, immediately grabbing at his left leg on landing. He would exit the game soon after.
Chris Paul appears to injure himself on this play.
He walked off to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/gTxzyDjwYi
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) May 2, 2023
The Suns would rule Paul out with left groin tightness.
The severity of the injury is unclear, but a Grade 1 groin strain generally means 1-to-2 weeks to fully recover.
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How long is Chris Paul out?
The Suns officially listed Paul as “day-to-day” but he is expected to be reevaluated in a week’s time, meaning he may not be available for Games 3 and 4.
INJURY UPDATE: Further evaluation has confirmed that Chris Paul has sustained a left groin strain. He is considered day to day.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 3, 2023
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says that Paul’s status for Games 3 and 4 is in doubt, while the Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that the Suns are expected to be without Paul through at least Game 5.
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul is expected to be re-evaluated in one week after MRI on his groin injury today, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Suns are preparing to be without Paul through Games 3-5, sources said.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2023
Game 5 (if necessary) is scheduled for tip off on Tuesday, May 9, while Game 6 (also if necessary) is scheduled for Thursday, May 11.
Chris Paul injury timeline
Monday, May 1: On a rebound attempt, Chris Paul attempts to box out Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and grabs at his left groin in the process. He would exit the game following the attempt.
Tuesday, May 2: The Suns list Paul as “day to day” with a left groin strain. Reports say that Paul will miss at minimum Games 3 and 4, with Game 5 (if necessary) also a possibility. He is expected to be reevaluated in a week (May 9).