PHOENIX - There is optimism within the Phoenix Suns organization that Chris Paul, due to the league's health and safety protocols, may return for Game 3 in Los Angeles on Thursday for the start of the Western Conference Finals, sources told ESPN.
However, as of the start of Game 2 on Tuesday against the LA Clippers, Paul was yet to be cleared, sources said.
Tuesday marked the sixth day that Paul remained in isolation from the team because of the NBA's coronavirus-related mandate. While a positive test requires a player to be isolated for at least 10 to 14 days this season, the league has different standards for vaccinated individuals.
Paul is currently asymptomatic and is spending his time away from the Sun in the LA area, a team source confirmed to ESPN.
Before being sidelined, Paul was sublime in the Sans sweep of the Denver Nuggets in the second round, averaging 25.5 points on 62.7% shooting, while knocking out 41 assists against just five turnovers in four games.
Suns coach Monty Williams was asked before Game 2 whether Paul, who is officially listed as a day-to-day, would need any ramp up play after being cleared.
"Right now we don't have the luxury of waiting for anyone. These games are so important. Every rehearsal, every film session," Williams said. "We'll definitely see where he is at that point, but it's hard to judge because COVID is so different. You have COVID and the playoffs, you know what I mean? It's not COVID and the regular season.
"I'm sure if I try to keep Chris out of the game, we'll have to square off and go toe-to-toe. So we'll assess that when the time comes."
The Sons won Game 2 104–103 to take a 2–0 lead in the series.