NBA: Suns’ Chris Paul could be out after All-Star break

Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after an injury to his hand and a technical-foul during the second half of the NBA game against the Houston Rockets at Footprint Center on February 16, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

All-Star guard Chris Paul said he could miss some time for the Phoenix Suns due to a right hand injury.

Paul hurt his hand on Wednesday night when he hit it on the arm of Jae’Sean Tate when the Suns defeated the Houston Rockets.

No details have been disclosed from an MRI on Thursday in Los Angeles. Paul showed up Saturday in Cleveland at practice for the All-Star Game with his hand in a cast.

The 36-year-old didn’t say whether he’d skip Sunday’s All-Star Game or indicate how much time he could miss after the break.

Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on February 01, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nets 121-111. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

The Suns have the NBA’s best record and a 6.5-game lead on the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference.

“We’re 48-10 and if we do miss some time I know the guys are going to hold it down,” Paul said, per ESPN. “There’s always going to be a frustration with injury. My hand surgeon is part of my family now.”

Paul has a history of hand and wrist injuries.

He continued: “I always want to play. When I felt that in my hand, I was mad for all types of reasons. Obviously, we’re not going to (rush it). I’m going to try to heal as fast as physically possible. The second I’m able to play, I guarantee you I will be playing.”

Paul, a 12-time All-Star, has appeared in all 58 games this season for the Suns. He has averaged 14.9 points and 4.5 rebounds, while his 10.7 assists per game lead the league.

The Suns resume the regular season Thursday on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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