Chris Paul Injury: Updates on Clippers Star's Recovery from Hand Surgery

Superstar Chris Paul broke a bone in his right hand during Game 4 of his team's playoff series with the Portland Trail Blazers, per Rowan Kavner of the Clippers' official website. After undergoing surgery, it's unclear if he'll be able to return this season. 

Continue for updates.

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Paul's Surgery Recovery Timetable Revealed

Tuesday, April 26

Paul will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks after undergoing surgery on Tuesday, the Clippers announced.

J.A. Adande of ESPN reported Paul "most likely" will miss the rest of the playoffs.

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Rivers Comments on Paul Injury

Tuesday, April 26

"It obviously doesn't look very good for him," Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said, per Rachel Nichols of ESPN.

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Paul Seen in Cast

Tuesday, April 26

Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times provided a picture of Paul leaving the arena:

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Paul Injury Could Derail Clippers' Playoff Hopes

This is a devastating setback for the Clippers, because Paul is their leader and floor general, and he represents their best hopes at upsetting the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs later in the postseason.

It is also yet another injury for the Clippers this season. Paul already dealt with a thigh injury earlier in the campaign, Blake Griffin suffered serious hand and quad injuries and Austin Rivers broke his hand. This team has title aspirations and can ill afford yet another physical issue to a primary contributor.

Paul is more than just a contributor as a nine-time All-Star, seven-time member of an All-NBA team and one of the league's best point guards. He frequently has complete control of the game's flow, is a solid three-point shooter, can penetrate with an explosive first step and is an elite facilitator.

He has averaged more than nine assists per game in each of the last nine seasons, including six different campaigns with more than 10 per contest. He posted 19.5 points and 10 assists per game this season.

Paul is also an impressive defender who has never averaged less than than 1.8 steals per game in a single season. He is a seven-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team because of his ability to hound ball-handlers and force turnovers.

With Griffin out for the postseason due to an aggravated quad injury, the Clippers face an uphill battle as they look to make the most out of their injury-laden lineup. 

However, Los Angeles still has plenty of talent with DeAndre Jordan, J.J. Redick, Jamal Crawford and even Paul Pierce (who at least provides veteran leadership), and it can turn to Rivers to handle point guard duties until Paul returns. 

There is enough talent to remain competitive in the Western Conference playoffs, but the Clippers don’t have much of a chance to win the title without Paul running the show.