Paul back in lineup for Suns after 14-game injury absence

© Provided by The Associated Press Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul shouts to his teammates during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

PHOENIX (AP) — Chris Paul is back in the starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns after missing a month with a sore right heel.

The 12-time All-Star guard returned Wednesday night against the NBA-leading Boston Celtics. The 37-year-old was listed as questionable for the game but did some work during the team’s morning shootaround.

© Provided by The Associated Press Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, left, tries to get past Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The Suns had a 9-5 record in Paul’s absence, which started when he left a game against the 76ers on Nov. 7. He has played 10 games this season, averaging 9.4 assists and a career-low 9.5 points.

Cameron Payne has played well in Paul’s absence, averaging a career-high 13 points and 5.8 assists.

Also Wednesday, the Celtics said veteran forward Al Horford was out after he entered the league’s health and safety protocols.

The Celtics are 20-5. The Suns top the Western Conference at 16-8.

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