CLEVELAND — Chris Paul indicated he could miss some time with a hand injury suffered in the Phoenix Suns‘ final game before the All-Star break.
Paul, who has a history of hand injuries and has required four hand/wrist surgeries, smashed his right hand on the arm of Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate after throwing a pass Wednesday night.
Results of an MRI that was scheduled for Thursday haven’t been released by the team, but Paul’s hand was wrapped in a cast during Team LeBron’s practice Saturday afternoon. Paul didn’t rule himself out of the All-Star Game set for Sunday but was vague when asked how long he could be out.
“We’re 48-10 and if we do miss some time I know the guys are going to hold it down,” Paul said, referencing the Suns’ record. “There’s always going to be a frustration with injury. My hand surgeon is part of my family now.”
Suns coach Monty Williams, who is coaching Team LeBron, declined to say how long he expects Paul to be out. The Suns have a history of being secretive with Paul’s injuries. He had left wrist surgery after the Finals last July and the team never announced it.
Paul hasn’t missed a game this season and is averaging 14.9 points and a league-best 10.7 assists for first-place Phoenix.
“I always want to play. When I felt that in my hand, I was mad for all types of reasons,” Paul said. “Obviously we’re not going to [rush it]. I’m going to try to heal as fast as physically possible. The second I’m able to play, I guarantee you I will be playing.”