PHOENIX SUNS

Chris Paul scratched for Suns in preseason finale vs. Lakers

Dec 18, 2020, 8:03 PM | Updated: 10:33 pm

Chris Paul is introduced as a Phoenix Sun on a Zoom call on Dec. 2, 2020. (Screenshot)...

Chris Paul is introduced as a Phoenix Sun on a Zoom call on Dec. 2, 2020. (Screenshot)

(Screenshot)

Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul was scratched from the team’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday due to soreness in his right ankle.

Head coach Monty Williams originally said pregame that Paul would start, but it was announced roughly 45 minutes before tip-off that Paul was out.

Paul missed the Suns’ first preseason game with the same injury listing before playing in the Suns’ second game at Utah. That was after being on the injury report as questionable. He played on Wednesday against the Lakers, clocking 24 minutes.

Jevon Carter will take Paul’s place in the starting lineup alongside Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder and Deandre Ayton.

The Suns have had some slight issues with injuries in the preseason, which Williams reiterated throughout that it was more of soreness and making sure nothing lingers into the regular season.

Cam Johnson missed two games while Dario Saric will miss all four due to soreness in his right quad. Cam Payne also missed two, while he and Johnson will play Friday. Crowder was out for the first two after attending to some personal matters and being a late arrival to training camp.

Williams said pregame that Saric is day-to-day and did practice on Thursday.

Phoenix Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

17 hours ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

21 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

1 day ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: How the Suns lost to the Spurs before they stepped on the court

Burns & Gambo react to the Phoenix Suns stunning loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and try to figure out why it happened.

2 days ago

Chris Paul scratched for Suns in preseason finale vs. Lakers