Suns Rule Chris Paul Out for Game 3 vs Nuggets

The Phoenix Suns have officially ruled Chris Paul out for Friday's Game 3 matchup with the Denver Nuggets.

Head coach Monty Williams didn't have much more to offer on the injury status of Paul today in practice. Paul suffered a groin injury in Monday's Game 2 loss against Denver.

"No, he didn't do anything today. He's just in the phase of getting himself right. He didn't do anything on the floor with us but he was doing stuff in the back," said Williams, who was then asked if anything had changed from Wednesday's practice.

"Still the same as it was yesterday."

Full clip:

Monty Williams said Chris Paul (groin) didn't do anything on the floor today, but he did say Paul is still day to day going into Game 3. #Suns #Nuggets #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/M7dPYOx6ZV
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) May 4, 2023

The team officially classified Paul as day-to-day in a release to media members, but NBA insider Shams Charania reported the Suns were preparing to be without Paul for potentially the next three games.

Yesterday, Williams said he was "optimistic" Paul would return.

"Gratefully he didn't tear it or something like that … You always have to look at the bright side of tough situations and tough breaks. We're just grateful it wasn't worse than we thought," said Williams.

"I'm optimistic because I believe in a number of things. Our medical staff, Chris fights his tail off to get back - we just have to wait and see."

Cameron Payne is expected to start in his place.

There's been some pessimism surrounding his potential replacements and what the Suns can offer in the backcourt beyond Devin Booker. The likes of Payne, Damion Lee and Landry Shamet have been disappointing as a whole since the beginning of the postseason.

Williams said two players who could potentially feature more for the Suns this weekend are Terrence Ross and TJ Warren.

Game 3 is Friday, May 5.