Suns' Chris Paul enters COVID-19 health and safety protocols, sidelined indefinitely

The Phoenix Suns clinched a spot in the Western Conference Finals on Sunday with a four-game sweep of the Denver Nuggets. However, one of their best players might not be available for their upcoming clash with either the Los Angeles Clippers or Utah Jazz. 

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Suns star Chris Paul has entered the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols and is sidelined for an indefinite period of time. 

Paul has played a crucial role for the Suns this postseason, averaging 15.7 points, 8.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. His best performance of the playoffs came in Game 4 against the Nuggets when he put up 37 points, three rebounds and seven assists.

After the series-clinching win, Paul talked about being "written off" by everybody a couple of years ago and how special it is to be moving on to the Western Conference Finals for just the second time in his career.

If he can't play, it'll be a massive blow for the Suns, who will need Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, among others, to step up in his absence. 

The Clippers and Jazz series is tied 2-2. If a Game 7 is needed, it'll be played on Sunday, according to Charania. The Western Conference Finals schedule has not yet been finalized.