Is Chris Paul playing tonight? Latest injury update for Suns vs. Nuggets Game 5

Dec 25, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Phoenix Suns were able to even their series with the Denver Nuggets, despite missing Chris Paul for the past two games. Will he be available for Game 5?

The Phoenix Suns lost the first two games of their second-round series against the Nuggets, and Chris Paul along with it. After Game 2, the Suns announced that they were expecting to miss him for Game 3, Game 4 and potentially Game 5 with a groin strain.

Even without him, they were able to pull out two crucial wins on the road to reset the series at 2-2. The Suns offense has been humming and they’ve bounced back from the struggles they faced in Games 1 and 2. But even with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant cooking, the Suns could certainly use his defense, experience, leadership and floor spacing as they try to take the series lead.

Will Chris Paul be available for Game 5 against the Nuggets?

Chris Paul is listed as out for Game 5, according to the NBA’s official injury report. Cameron Payne has started in his place the past two games and been largely ineffective. He’s piled up 10 assists but hasn’t made much of an impact defensively and has shot 5-of-17 from the field and 2-of-9 from beyond the arc. Luckily Devin Booker has given the Suns everything they need, going absolutely bananas with 83 points, shooting 79 percent from the field and 8-of-12 from beyond the arc.

Even if the Suns can’t pull out the win on the road in Game 5, there is a strong chance they could have Paul back for Game 6 at home and a potential winner-take-all Game 7.

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