Key Player Receives Last Minute Injury Update in Clippers vs. Suns Game 1

After initially being listed as questionable for Sunday night's Game 1 vs. the LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne has been downgraded to out. While Payne can become somewhat overlooked in a series featuring Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Devin Booker, he is a key player for the Suns and their bench, and had success in the 2021 Western Conference Finals against the Clippers.

With Payne being ruled out, he joins Paul George as the only two players who are inactive for Game 1. Outside of George and Payne, both teams will have their entire rosters available. As previously mentioned, Payne was huge in the 2021 Western Conference Finals against the Clippers, going for 29 points and and 9 assists in a Game 2 victory.

Payne's absence will likely force Phoenix to rely on Chris Paul for more minutes, which is already standard come postseason time, but perhaps something Phoenix was hoping to avoid in round one. With star power all over, the Suns believe they can take this group all the way, and will have to effectively manage workloads throughout this run - especially with their veterans.

This Game 1 between the Clippers and Suns feels especially important, as the Clippers are hoping to extend their playoff run long enough for Paul George to make a return. Stealing Game 1 on the road against Phoenix would be a great start for them.

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