MY ACCOUNT
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul may need a stint on the sidelines due to the hand injury suffered in his side’s final game prior to the All-Star break.
Paul was left clutching the injury and ejected for his reaction in the Suns’ 124-121 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday after Jae’Sean Tate’s arm struck his hand when throwing a pass.
The 36-year-old underwent an MRI on Thursday although the Suns have not released any diagnosis, while Paul has since linked up with Team LeBron for Sunday’s All-Star Game.
Paul’s hand was wrapped in a cast at Saturday’s practise and he did not rule himself out of the All-Star Game, but indicated he may need time out due to the injury.
“I always want to play. When I felt that in my hand, I was mad for all types of reasons,” Paul told reporters after practise.
“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’s Suns head coach Monty Williams is in charge of Team LeBron but also would not be drawn on the extent of the injury.
The Suns are leading the NBA with a 48-10 record and Paul, who has a history of hand and wrist problems, hinted that position meant he could be afforded time to get the problem right.
“We’re 48-10 and if we do miss some time I know the guys are going to hold it down,” Paul said.
“There’s always going to be a frustration with injury. My hand surgeon is part of my family now.”
