Unless Devin Booker has something to say about it.
Amid all the festivities of All-Star Weekend, it was announced that Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul has a right thumb avulsion fracture and will be re-evaluated in six to eight weeks.
Paul suffered the injury last Wednesday against the Houston Rockets, Phoenix’s final game before the All-Star break. The six- to eight-week timeline means he’ll likely miss the rest of the regular season or, at the earliest, return for the final week.
It’s a tough blow for the reigning Western Conference champions, who own the best record in the NBA by 6.5 games at 48-10. They also have the best odds to win the NBA title at +425 on Tipico Sportsbook.
Before they can win a championship, however, they’ll want to lock up a top seed in the West. And now, they’ll have to do it without their leader who was honored at halftime of the All-Star Game as part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
Paul’s injury opens the door for the Golden State Warriors to make a run at Phoenix for the NBA’s top seed, as they’re currently second in league and conference standings. And with Paul out, GSW’s +500 odds to win the Pacific Division suddenly look very scrumptious as a distant second to Phoenix’s -800.
Since Paul joined the Suns last season, he’s only missed four games; all last season with two coming in the playoffs. Phoenix won all four, so there’s a chance it maintains just fine, but this will be the Suns’ first extended period of play without their floor general.
Paul’s absence likely pushes Cameron Payne into the starting lineup, though they have plenty of depth at the position with Elfrid Payton and Aaron Holiday on the roster this year.
Devin Booker may also take on more responsibility, which could catapult him into the MVP conversation if there’s no drop-off in the Suns’ play. He’s already averaging over 25 points, five rebounds and four assists. His +2000 odds for the award are tied with DeMar DeRozan for sixth-best.
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