Chris Paul will not play in the Clippers’ Game 2 against the Rockets on Wednesday night, coach Doc Rivers told reporters in his pregame media availability. This comes after Rivers suggested earlier in the day that Paul would probably sit out.
Chris Paul won’t play in Game 2 vs. Rockets
The Clippers will try to win again without CP3 in Game 2.
“I pretty much doubt it just from talking to him. But we’ll see how he moves around,” Rivers said of Paul’s Game 2 status on Wednesday morning.
Paul, who helped L.A. advance past the defending champion San Antonio Spurs in the first round, missed Game 1 against the Rockets on Monday due to a hamstring injury. The Clippers miraculously earned a 117-101 victory without him, and now will likely try again Wednesday night as he continues to get back on track.
Whenever Paul does return, it’ll be a huge boost to a team that already proved challenging for Houston in the series opener. The 30-year-old -- he celebrates his birthday Wednesday -- averaged nearly 23 points and eight assists during the seven-game series against the Spurs, and was especially brilliant in a Game 7 effort that saw him score 27 points on 13 shots.
For now, Los Angeles will stick with Austin Rivers as the starting point guard with Jamal Crawford taking on some added duties off the bench. The duo worked in Game 1, combining for 38 points and seven assists, and will look to do the same in Game 2. The brilliant playmaking of Blake Griffin, who put up 13 assists Monday, was a big part of how the team weathered CP3's absence.
With Game 3 set for Friday, Paul will only have a couple days to get healthier before the team hits the court again. Even if the Clippers found some success in the first game without him, here’s to guessing they’re anxious to get him back as soon as possible.
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