By: Justin Gincauskas
The Golden State Warriors will be without Chris Paul for the foreseeable future, as the 38-year-old guard suffered a fractured left hand in Golden State’s 113-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons Friday. Paul will have surgery on the hand next week, according to Kendra Andrews of ESPN.
The Warriors did not provide an update on how long the team could be without Paul, but they expect him to be back this season.
“That’s tough, I feel so bad for Chris,” Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said postgame. “I know he’s had a couple of hand surgeries before, I believe, maybe on the other hand. I saw him holding it and instantly was worried. Just got the word after walking off the floor. So, I feel terrible for Chris, and obviously, guys will step up and be ready to play. We’ve got to hold down the fort without him.”
Chris Paul suffered the hand injury at the 6:07 minute mark of the third quarter. After missing a three-point shot, his left hand made contact with Detroit’s Jaden Ivey while Paul tried to grab his rebound. Paul immediately grabbed his hand and went back to the locker room.
The Warriors are already without Gary Payton II, who suffered a left hamstring strain earlier in the week. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks. Golden State is also without Draymond Green, who has been away from the team since Dec. 13 due to his indefinite suspension.
Paul is averaging 8.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game this season. He is in his first season with the Warriors following an offseason trade with the Wizards that sent Jordan Poole to Washington.
The Golden State Warriors are currently the 10th seed in the Western Conference with a record of 17-18. Golden State will try to get to .500 without Paul when they take on the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
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