Warriors Injury Update: Play-off Run Looks Hopeful as Huge News on Chris Paul Drops

The Golden State Warriors are ready to take on the second half of the season following the All-Star break. After an abysmal start to the season, Stephen Curry and Co. have turned things around recently. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games and hope to continue their form for the remaining 29 games. Amid their goal of getting into the playoffs, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gave a positive update about the possible return of veteran guard Chris Paul.

Chris Paul has been out of action since January 5 due to a second metacarpal fracture on his left hand. The 38-year-old injured his hand while going for a rebound during a game against the Detroit Pistons. When asked for a timeline on CP3’s return, Steve Kerr said, “He’s getting close.”

Kerr revealed that the veteran guard is on his way to a complete recovery and is expected to return soon. “He’s feeling good. Played a lot over the All-Star break. Next step is for the training staff to get a feel for where he is conditioning-wise and just make sure everything is set for him to be back out there,” Kerr added.

The 12-time All-Star has not played in the last 18 games but participated in Wednesday’s practice. That is a great sign for the Warriors, as they could use the veteran presence of Chris Paul on the floor. CP3 will not play against the Los Angeles Lakers tomorrow but could return sooner than expected. Before Paul got injured, he became the leader of the Warriors’ second unit and elevated their game. CP3 averaged 8.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 1.1 steals while coming off the bench for the majority of the games.

Chris Paul’s return could reignite Klay Thompson’s fire

Not only would Chris Paul’s return add another floor general for the Warriors, but it could also unleash Klay Thompson. In the last game before the All-Star break, Steve Kerr decided to bring Klay off the bench for the first time since his rookie season in 2012. That decision proved extremely effective for the Warriors as well as Klay. Stephen Curry and Co. beat the Utah Jazz in that game, and Klay scored a season-high 35 points.

Steve Kerr might stick to his decision of bringing Klay off the bench more often going forward. With Chris Paul returning to the lineup soon, CP3 and Klay could form a deadly off-the-bench duo. Paul could use his playmaking ability to get more open shots for Klay, which will boost his confidence and get him back to playing at an All-Star level. What are your thoughts on Chris Paul and Klay Thompson potentially coming off the bench for the Warriors?

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