The Suns could be without one member of their newly-formed Big 3 when they face the Nuggets on Friday.
In the third quarter of Phoenix's Game 2 loss to Denver, Chris Paul suffered a groin injury while pursuing a rebound. He slowly walked up the court before exiting the game and being ruled out.
"All we can do is hope he has a speedy recovery," Devin Booker said afterward. "We're going to be behind him. We're going to hold it down while he is out — or if he's out — and just take it from there."
The Suns now trail the Nuggets 2-0 in the Western Conference Semifinals as the series shifts to Phoenix. Game 3 is a must-win for the Suns, who will be looking to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole that no team has ever come out of. Will they have to take care of business without Paul?
Here's all the information you need to watch Game 3, including time, TV channel and the latest on Paul's status.
Is Chris Paul playing vs. Nuggets tonight?
The Suns announced earlier in the week that Paul has suffered a left groin strain.
While he's considered day-to-day, Paul's status for Games 3 and 4 are "in doubt," per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The Athletic's Shams Charania had a less optimistic report, with sources telling him that the Suns are preparing to be without the 12-time All-Star for Games 3, 4 and 5.
Through seven games, Paul is averaging 12.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals on 41.8 percent shooting from the field in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
What time is Suns vs. Nuggets today?
- Date: Friday, May 5
- Time: 10 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. PT
Game 3 between the Suns and Nuggets will tip off around 10 p.m. ET on Friday, May 5. The game will be played at Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ.
What channel is Suns vs. Nuggets on?
- Date: Friday, May 5
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Sling TV
Game 3 of Suns vs. Nuggets will air on ESPN. Viewers can stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Suns vs. Nuggets odds
Even with Paul's status unknown, the Suns enter Game 3 against the Nuggets as 3.5-point favorites.
| Suns | Nuggets | |
| Spread | -3.5 | +3.5 |
| Moneyline | -165 | +135 |
For the full market, check out BetMGM.
Suns vs. Nuggets schedule
Below is the complete schedule for the second-round Western Conference series between Phoenix and Denver, including start times and TV channels.
| Date | Game | Time (ET)/Result | TV channel |
| April 29 | Game 1 | Nuggets 125, Suns 107 | TNT |
| May 1 | Game 2 | Nuggets 97, Suns 87 | TNT |
| May 5 | Game 3 | 10 p.m. ET at Suns | ESPN |
| May 7 | Game 4 | 8 p.m. ET at Suns | TNT |
| May 9 | Game 5* | TBD at Nuggets | TNT |
| May 11 | Game 6* | TBD at Suns | ESPN |
| May 14 | Game 7* | TBD at Nuggets | TBD |
*If necessary
