Chris Paul will be out for six to eight weeks with a broken thumb, according to a source.
The injury is a huge blow to the Suns, who have the best record in the league, and will be without their All-Star floor general for most of the rest of the season.
The regular season ends on April 10. The playoffs start on April 16.
Paul, who is leading the league in points and assists, injured his thumb in the third quarter of the Suns' win over Houston. He grabbed at his hand as he left the court after picking up a pair of technical fouls.
Paul played in the All-Star Game despite wearing a wrap on his hand.
While he did his best to avoid questions about his injury, Paul admitted it was frustrating.
If we do miss some time, the guys are going to hold it down. My hand surgeon is part of my family.
I always want to play. Paul said he was mad for all the reasons when he felt that. I will try to heal as fast as possible. I will be playing the second time I play.
With 24 games to go in the regular season, the Phoenix Suns hold a 6.5 game lead over the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies for the best record in the Western Conference. The Suns had won 21 of their previous 24 contests going into the All-Star Break.
The news of Paul's injury was first reported by TNT.