Suns: When will Chris Paul be able to play again?

With Chris Paul entering health and safety protocols due to testing positive for COVID-19, when will he be eligible to return to the Phoenix Suns?

The Phoenix Suns have already clinched a spot in the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2010, which was ironically the last time the team had made the NBA Playoffs. After sweeping the Denver Nuggets in the second round, the Suns and their fanbase were celebrating, eagerly awaiting the winner of the Utah Jazz-LA Clippers series.

Unfortunately, Wednesday was a busy and crazy news day for the NBA, and it all began with Chris Paul. The Suns guard was placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols after he was revealed to have tested positive for COVID-19. While he is listed as out indefinitely, just when is Paul eligible to return?

When will Chris Paul return to the Suns?

If an NBA player is placed in the league’s health and safety protocols due to testing positive for COVID-19, they are usually sidelined for 10-14 days. But Paul’s case could be different, as he is believed to have been vaccinated back in February. With that, Paul could spend significantly less time in league protocols.

On Saturday evening, the Suns listed Chris Paul as out for Game 1 on their official injury report. Phoenix fared okay without him in Game 1 thanks to Devin Booker’s 40-point triple-double and the Suns’ youngsters stepping up. They also took Game 2 without Paul thanks to the iconic “Valley-Oop” game-winner from Deandre Ayton.

On Wednesday, Yahoo! Sports’ Chris Haynes reported that CP3 intends to return for Game 3 in Los Angeles. He was listed as probable on the team’s official injury report.

Paul’s presence has helped the Suns reach this point in the playoffs. Through 10 games, he is averaging 15.7 points, 8.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from the 3-point line.

Considering that he is vaccinated, he may not be subject to the usual 10-14 day timeline for a return.