Suns hopeful Chris Paul returns for Game 3 against Clippers

Chris Paul has been quarantining at home with his family in Los Angeles, so he's already in town for Thursday's Game 3 against the Clippers. However, it's still unclear whether or not he'll play after testing positive for COVID-19 last week. 

Still, the Suns are reportedly hopeful that Paul will play Game 3 despite not yet clearing the NBA's health and safety protocols, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Dave McMenamin.

Wednesday marks the seventh day that Paul is away from the Suns. A positive COVID-19 test requires players to be isolated for 10-14 days, but vaccinated individuals are subject to different standards. 

Paul reportedly received the Pfizer vaccine in February and is currently asymptomatic. 

Before being sidelined, Paul was tremendous in Phoenix's second-round sweep of the Denver Nuggets. The 36-year-old averaged 25.5 points, five rebounds and 10.3 assists per game while shooting 62.7% from the field and 58.4% from deep. 

The Suns currently lead the Clippers 2-0, with Game 3 set for Thursday at the Staples Center.