If the Phoenix Suns want to avoid an offense against the Denver Nuggets, they’ll have to do it without Chris Paul.
The veteran is expected to miss Games 3-5 in the Western Conference semi-finals after suffering a groin injury in Game Two, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Paul will reportedly be re-evaluated within one week after undergoing an MRI on Tuesday.
The Suns are currently down 0-2 in the series.
Paul injured his left hip in the third quarter on Monday while trying to hold off Nuggets winger Kentavius Caldwell Pope for a rebound. He immediately grabbed his thighs after landing and was slow to get back on offense with his teammates.
For Paul to lose at least three games is a blow to the No. 4 seed Suns when he was already down and was already short on depth after being traded for Kevin Durant. In the regular season, the 37-year-old Paul averaged 13.9 points, 8.9 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting 37.5% from 3-point range.
Cam Payne and Damion Lee represent the next two men at point guard for the Sun, but their combined 1-for-12 performance in 42 minutes in Game 2 didn’t quite inspire confidence.
Game 3 between the Nuggets and Suns is scheduled for 10 p.m. EST on Friday in Phoenix (ESPN).