Chris Paul Set for Surgery on Hand Injury; Expected to Return to Warriors This Season

Already playing without Draymond Green due to an indefinite suspension, the Golden State Warriors won't have Chris Paul for the time being due to a fractured hand suffered in Friday's win over the Detroit Pistons.

The Warriors announced Paul will undergo surgery next week, with the expectation he will return at some point this season.

"That's tough," head coach Steve Kerr said. "I feel so bad for Chris. 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."

Stephen Curry echoed Kerr's sentiments, telling reporters during his postgame press conference he "feels bad" for Paul and the Warriors need to find ways to make adjustments without two of their key playmakers.

Paul suffered the injury midway through the third quarter when his hand made contact with Pistons guard Jaden Ivey as he was going for a rebound. He remained in the game for about 30 more seconds, but was flexing his hand and went to the locker room for examination after being replaced by Andrew Wiggins.

The Warriors ruled Paul out for the remainder of the game soon after that.

Hand and wrist injuries have been a problem for Paul throughout his career. He most recently had offseason wrist surgery following the Phoenix Suns' run to the NBA Finals during the 2020-21 campaign.

A timetable for Paul's return to the court will likely be determined after he has surgery. His injury comes at a time when Green appears to be getting closer to being reinstated from his suspension.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday that Green is expected to return to Golden State's facilities "in the coming days" to begin ramping up for a return to play.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has yet to make an official announcement about Green's status, but Wojnarowski noted the four-time All-Star is believed to have satisfied the league's requirements to be reinstated once the Warriors determine he's ready to play in games.

Paul leads the Warriors in assists per game (7.3) in 31 appearances this season. He missed two games earlier this season due to a leg nerve contusion.

Golden State held on for a 113-109 victory over the Pistons on Friday night to improve its record to 17-18. It moved ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers (17-19) for the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference.