The Phoenix Suns will likely have to endure the remainder of the regular season without Chris Paul. They will have to lean heavily on their key starters and backups to retain their league-best record.

The Suns could sign a free agent to reinforce their depth or rely on backups Cam Payne and Aaron Holiday to play point guard next to Devin Booker while he runs the show. While the latter was acquired at the trade deadline from the Indiana Pacers, the former has been dealing with a wrist sprain that has sidelined him for several weeks.

Payne recently said on a Suns talk radio show that he is now day-to-day and is hoping to return soon. The 27-year-old doesn't have a target date yet but has gotten some practice in during the midseason break.

In total 40 games for the Suns this season, Payne is averaging 10.5 points and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 40.4 percent from the field and 33.6 percent from deep. Although his shooting efficiency isn't promising, he has been a key backup and could provide much-needed offense while Paul recovers and gets rest for the playoffs.

Even with Goran Dragic going to the Brooklyn Nets, the buyout market may feature several promising options. Payne and Holiday, though, make for a solid backup tandem. Holiday's tendencies lean towards playmaking and defense more than Payne, s0 he should be able to fill in for Paul decently while Payne runs the bench unit.

The Suns will collectively have to step up without Paul. They have the talent, and soon will have the requisite depth, to do so. They could still very well have the league's best record when the regular season commences.