HOUSTON — Chris Paul will not play for the Los Angeles Clippers against the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal Monday night because of a strained left hamstring.
Paul was injured Saturday night in Game 7 against the San Antonio Spurs but returned to hit the game-winning shot.
Clippers coach Doc Rivers said the All-Star point guard could have played if it were an elimination game, but that it wasn’t worth the risk for Game 1. Rivers expects Paul to be able to play in this series but isn’t sure if he’ll be ready for Game 2 on Wednesday night.
Rivers wouldn’t say who will start in Paul’s place. Rivers’ son, Austin, is the team’s backup point guard.
Thumbnail photo via Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports Images
