Due to right heel pain, Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns could not play against Minnesota on Wednesday.

 

According to Phoenix coach Monty Williams, the Suns are cautious with Paul, who departed Monday at Philadelphia early after playing less than 14 minutes. It was the Suns’ second defeat in three games as they lost 100-88.

 

According to Williams, Chris plays with the discomfort that would rate a six or seven on a scale of 10. “We’re trying to keep him from hurting himself. It also allows him to rest his body.

 

For the Suns, Paul, 37, misses his first game of the year. This season, he has averaged 9.5 points and 9.4 assists.

 

Instead of Paul, Cameron Payne began. Payne concluded the game against the 76ers with 14 points and five assists while playing a season-high 27:43.

 

Cameron Johnson, a forward for Phoenix, missed his third consecutive game due to a torn right meniscus.