Report: Suns hopeful CP3 will return early in West finals

The Phoenix Suns are encouraged by Chris Paul's progress and hopeful the 11-time All-Star will clear the NBA's health and safety protocols early in the Western Conference finals, sources told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.

Paul tested positive for COVID-19 last week but is asymptomatic, adds Haynes.

Though previous similar instances required players to spend 10-14 days in quarantine, isolation periods could reportedly be shortened for those who are vaccinated.

"It's just a day-to-day thing with him right now," Suns head coach Monty Williams said postgame. "I probably drive the people here crazy with that, but that's the way it is. We're hopeful that any day now we hear he can ramp up and get back with us. But right now, he's in the protocol."

The Suns took care of business without Paul in Game 1, topping the Los Angeles Clippers, 120-114.

Backup guard Cameron Payne started in Paul's place, posting 11 points, nine assists, and a plus-14 rating in 29 minutes of action.

Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday.