PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 16: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 16, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Rockets defeated the Suns 142-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets veteran guard Chris Paul sustained a left hamstring strain in Thursday night’s 101-99 loss to the Miami Heat, and will thus be out indefinitely after leaving that contest in the first half.
Paul was scheduled to have an MRI on Friday. The Rockets are 16-15 and eighth in the Western Conference, a much-worse position than they were in last season, when they reached the Western Conference Finals. Houston will definitely need nine-time All-Star Paul, although the 33-year-old’s contract value is now increasingly in question, especially given how often he succumbs to injuries.
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Paul has now missed 29 regular-season contests since joining Houston a year-and-a-half ago. He previously suffered a hamstring injury in May during the Western Conference Finals. Paul doesn’t have a player option until 2021, and unless he becomes relatively healthy again until then, there will be little doubt he’ll have much left to offer at age 36 than he does now — even if he has boasted several accolades throughout his career, including NBA Rookie of the Year, four-time NBA assists leader and six-time NBA steals leader.
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