Rockets’ Chris Paul expected to miss 2-4 weeks

PHOTOS: Rockets game-by-game Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Browse through the photos to see how the Rockets have fared in each game this season. less PHOTOS: Rockets game-by-game Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Browse ... more Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images Image 1 of / 125 Caption Close Rockets’ Chris Paul expected to miss 2-4 weeks 1 / 125 Back to Gallery

The pain that grabbed Rockets guard Chris Paul, sending him limping from the court in Miami, was not isolated to his left hamstring. It was shared by those around him who knew just what it meant.

Just as Paul immediately knew this was no mere tweak to play through, the Rockets understood that a season that had been frustrating and trying from the start would face a new challenge.

Paul was diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain, a partial tear similar to James Harden’s last season. The team announced that Paul will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks. He is expected to miss two to four weeks, a person with knowledge of the initial diagnosis said.

The sudden realization on Thursday that Paul would be out for an extended period came just when the Rockets had seemed to have turned things around.

They had won five straight, their longest winning streak of the season. They were two games better than .500 for the first time this season. They led the Heat by 16 in the first quarter and by eight when Paul slowly and carefully left the floor.