CLEVELAND – Chris Paul’s right thumb is going to keep him out most of the remaining regular season.
The Suns gave an official release that Paul has suffered a right thumb avulsion fracture in Wednesdays’ game against Houston and will be re-evaluated in six to eight weeks.
The NBA regular season ends April 10 against Sacramento.
With the league’s best record at 48-10, Phoenix resumes action Thursday against Oklahoma City (18-40). TNT reported Paul is going to try to play in Sunday’s All-Star game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and get an “honorary” assist or two.
The Suns have a 6½-game cushion on Golden State (42-17) for the best record in the West and NBA, but are also without backup point guard Cameron Payne (wrist) and Landry Shamet (ankle).
Shamet and Payne are expected to return much sooner than Paul after the All-Star break.
Wearing what appeared to be a cast around right shooting hand with a white wrap underneath, Paul was asked Saturday during All-Star availability if his thumb was broken or anything.
The 12-time All-Star answered, “we’re going to see.”
Having an MRI earlier in the week, Paul hinted he may miss some action, though.
“It’s always going to be frustrations with injuries,” Paul said. “I’ve had four hand surgeries in my career. My hand surgery is part of my family now, but things could be a lot worse. I’m still blessed, grateful we’re 48-10 and if I do miss some time, I know the guys will hold it down.”
Paul is in the MVP conversation as he’s averaging 14.9 points and a league-best 10.7 assists. He injured his thumb when hitting it on Jae’Sean Tate’s arm on the follow through of a pass in the second half of Wednesday’s game.
Upset, Paul reacted at referee JT Orr, who hit him with a technical for use of profanity. Then when Paul made contact with him from behind, Orr gave him a second technical that led to an automatic ejection.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Suns’ Chris Paul out 6-8 weeks with right thumb fracture
