So much for more injury-riddled theatrics.
The Los Angeles Clippers have elected to sit Chris Paul for Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinals matchup with the Houston Rockets.
Doc Rivers said Chris Paul will not play tonight
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) May 5, 2015
The 29 year-old is still suffering from soreness after injuring his left hamstring in Los Angeles’ epic Game 7 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. Paul grabbed at his left leg after swiping a steal early in the first quarter. Though he drilled a three-pointer immediately thereafter, he then went to the locker room for further evaluation.
You know what happened next. Despite clearly limited mobility, Paul scored 22 of his 27 points after returning to action midway through the second quarter and gave the Clippers a 111-109 victory with a difficult layup – off his left leg! – as the fourth quarter clock read :01.
While announcing his team’s decision, Doc Rivers explained the risk for further aggravation during Monday’s game was simply too great for Paul to suit up.
Doc: 'The risk is just not worth it. If you reinjure that, you're done. It could be 2 games, it could be 1."
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) May 5, 2015
The Clippers are woefully thin behind Paul – seldom-used Lester Hudson is Rivers’ closest thing to a reserve point guard. Expect Jamal Crawford and Austin Rivers to bring the ball up for Los Angeles tonight, while an even bigger playmaking onus falls on Blake Griffin.
The Clippers and Rockets tip-off from the Toyota Center at 9:30 EST on TNT.
