Suns' Chris Paul to be re-evaluated next week following MRI

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Tuesday that Paul is expected to be re-evaluated in one week following the results of an MRI on his groin injury. Charania adds that Phoenix is now preparing to be without Paul for Games 3, 4, and 5 of the series.

That is tough news for Paul, who has a history of bad luck with injuries in the postseason. He will turn 38 later this week too, so he may not be ready to return after just one week of missed time, especially with the tendency of groin injuries to linger.

The Suns and Nuggets play Game 3 on Friday, Game 4 on Sunday, and then Game 5 on the following Tuesday. They will have to win at least two of those games to extend their season enough to potentially get Paul back for a Game 6.

Cam Payne, who recently returned from a back injury of his own, has just seven total points these playoffs, and will likely take Paul’s place in the starting lineup. But with the Suns already looking at possible replacements for Paul, who will be a free agent after the season, you have to wonder whether he has already played his final game in a Phoenix uniform.