The Suns have worked their way to the top of the Western Conference standings despite Chris Paul being sidelined with an injury.
The 12-time All-Star appeared in the first 10 games of the season for Phoenix but has been sidelined since due to a heel injury. The Suns have continued their winning ways without him, with Cameron Payne starting in his place.
What's next for Paul? Here's everything we know about his injury and the latest news on when he may return.
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What is Chris Paul's injury?
Paul left Phoenix's loss to Philadelphia on Nov. 7 with a heel injury.
Paul appeared to suffer the injury while fighting around a screen midway through the second quarter. He could be seen on the broadcast grabbing his heel. He then hobbled up the court before exiting the game.
Here's a video of the full sequence:
Paul has been listed as out with right heel soreness on the injury report since.
How long will Chris Paul be out?
Suns general manager James Jones provided an update on Paul on Nov. 29.
“Chris, he’s close,” Jones said. “He’s coming back. He’ll be back.
"I can’t tell you he’ll be back tomorrow, but he’s been looking good and we’re still taking the long view with him. From Day 1, we’ve said that when our guys are eligible to play, when they’re available, they’re completely available, which means no restrictions, nothing mentally, physically, to hold them back. So he’s getting there. And once he gets there, you’ll know.”
Paul confirmed a few days later that he was "close" to returning. After missing 14 straight games, the Suns have listed him as questionable for their matchup with the Celtics on Wednesday.
According to Turner Sports' Chris Haynes, Paul intends to make his return against the Celtics barring any last-minute setbacks.
Paul was having a slow start to the season prior to his injury. In his first 10 games, he averaged a career-low 9.5 points to go along with 9.4 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals.
Chris Paul career stats, highlights
- 18.1 points per game
- 9.5 assists per game
- 4.5 rebounds per game
- 2.1 steals per game
- 0.1 blocks per game
- 2.4 turnovers per game
- 34.5 minutes per game
- 47.3 percent shooting
- 36.8 percent 3-point shooting
- 87.1 percent free throw shooting
