Here's a Look at Chris Paul's Playoff Injury History

Phoenix Suns veteran point guard Chris Paul exited Monday’s Game 2 loss in the third quarter with an apparent left groin injury.

After the game, head coach Monty Williams said Paul came out because he “couldn’t push off” of his left leg.

If the injury is a strain, Paul has no chance to play in Friday’s Game 3. However, if it’s groin tightness and his exit is precautionary, he could make it back by Friday.

Strains are difficult to judge by video, thus the MRI will tell the true story of whether Paul will miss time.

Paul, 37, turns 38 on Saturday, the day after Game 3.

Here’s a summary of the injuries Paul has compiled in his 15 seasons of playoff experience:

Chris Paul Playoff Injury History

• May 2, 2015: left hamstring strain, missed first 2 games of Western Conference Semifinals

• April 25, 2016: broken right hand, missed last 2 games of Western Conference 1st round

• May 24, 2018: right hamstring, missed last two games of Western Conference Finals

• May 23, 2021: right shoulder, didn’t miss time

• June 19, 2021: COVID-19 protocols, missed first two games of Western Conference Finals

• May 1, 2023: Left groin adductor strain, unknown missed time

Impact on the Suns

If Paul misses time once again in the playoffs, Phoenix will have to find a new primary ball handler. Before the Kevin Durant acquisition, Devin Booker took on that role in mid-November to early December when Paul was injured.

When Paul and Booker were out in early January, Cam Payne stepped in as the primary ball handler.

Already down 2-0 in the series to the top-seeded Denver Nuggets, the Suns will have to figure out lineup changes on the fly for a chance to come back.

Nuggets vs. Suns Game 3 Odds

The Suns are favored by 4.5 points at home in Game 3 and the over/under is 225.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Phoenix is +240 to win the series, while the Nuggets are -295.

The Boston Celtics are the current favorite to win the NBA Finals at +200, with the Suns having the fifth-best odds at +900.

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