LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers are poised to open their first playoff series in five years and Chris Paul skipped practice.
The All-Star guard whose December trade helped propel the Clippers to 40 wins — their most since 2006-07 — sat out Friday while recovering from a strained left groin that sidelined him during their last regular-season game.
Paul says he’ll be ready to go for Sunday’s opener in Memphis, where the Grizzlies closed strongly by winning 11 straight games.
The Clippers definitely need him. Paul averaged 19.3 points and 8.7 assists in helping them win two out of three against the Grizzlies, who earned their victory at home in the final meeting this month.
Paul’s arrival just before the lockout-shortened season began has led to a dramatic change in the Clippers’ fortunes.
