Chris Paul out for Game 6 with hamstring injury

The Rockets have announced that Chris Paul will not play in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals after suffering a hamstring injury in the final minute of last night’s 98-94 victory over the Warriors.

It seems like CP3 will make the trip to Oakland for Saturday’s Game 6 and will be re-evaluated when the team returns to Houston ahead of Monday’s potential Game 7. He might not have to play Game 7 if the Rockets can close it out in Oakland, but Paul’s absence in Saturday night’s tilt will make the job much more difficult.

With Paul out, look for Eric Gordon to start Saturday’s Game 6 and for Luc Mbah a Moute and Gerald Green to see an increase in minutes.

Paul has averaged 21.1 points, 5.8 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game in this postseason. In the Rockets’ last two victories, his clutch play in the second half has arguably been the biggest difference in the series. The Rockets would already be on vacation if it weren’t for CP3. Now they have to fight without him for at least one game — and, if we’re being honest with ourselves, probably more — to ensure he gets to play in his first career NBA Finals.