Chris Paul Reportedly Doubtful to Play in Game 3 vs Nuggets Due to Groin Injury

• Chris Paul injured his groin in the third quarter of Game 2 against Denver
• Sources said he is doubtful to play in Games 3 and 4 against the Nuggets
• Paul averaged 12.4 points and 7.4 assists per game in this postseason

The Phoenix Suns got the worst possible news, with their playoff lives hanging in the balance.

Chris Paul suffered a groin injury in Game 2 and is reportedly doubtful to play in the pivotal Game 3 against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

The Nuggets lead the series 2-0 after winning both of their home games in Denver.

Paul suffers groin injury 

Sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Paul’s status for Game 4 is also in doubt due to a left groin strain.

Memphis Grizzlies sans Morant stun Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 to level series at 1-1

NBA

He appeared to pick up the injury late in the third quarter of Game 2 on Monday night after trying to box out Denver guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Paul checked out of the contest with 4:32 left in the quarter and immediately went straight to the Suns’ locker room.

Sources said they expect Paul to push for an early return, but the possibility of him recovering by Friday to play in Game 3 is going to be a "significant challenge."

Paul’s injury will hurt Suns 

The Suns will sorely miss Paul’s services, as he is averaging 12.4 points and 7.4 assists per game during this postseason.

The Suns thrive with Paul on the floor, as he has the best plus-minus for Phoenix in this year’s playoffs.

The Suns have outscored their opponents by 39 points over seven games this postseason with Paul on the floor.

Paul’s injury history

Paul missing a playoff game due to injury is nothing new, though.

Derrick Rose makes cameo appearance in New York Knicks’ Game 3 win over Cleveland Cavaliers

NBA

He has missed eight postseason games in his career due to injury, including the last two games of the 2018 Western Conference Finals, when the Houston Rockets squandered a 3-2 lead against the Golden State Warriors.

Nuggets edge past Suns

Sports Brief recently reported on the Nuggets’ win over the Suns in Game 2.

Nikola Jokic starred for Denver in the 97-87 win, scoring 39 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.

He scored 26 of his 39 points in the second half.