Clipper star Paul to miss 6-8 weeks with torn thumb ligament
Los Angeles Clippers' Chris Paul will undergo surgery on his non-shooting hand following Monday's 120-98 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
All-Star point guard Chris Paul is set to miss up to eight weeks after suffering a torn ligament in his left thumb, the Los Angeles Clippers announced.
Paul will undergo surgery on his non-shooting hand following Monday's 120-98 NBA win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, after initial X-Rays showed no break.
He suffered the tear when he jammed his left hand on Russell Westbrook’s right leg in the second quarter.
Paul, who missed time this pre-season with a sprain to the same thumb, was averaging 17.5 points, 9.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds this season.
In good news for the Clippers, Blake Griffin is nearing a return to the court.
Working his way back to full fitness following a knee procedure, Griffin has stepped up his rehabilitation.
The Clippers (29-14) are a perfect 7-0 in 2017 but, dating back to last season, are 3-9 in games without both Paul and Griffin, who could be back as soon as next week.
"Blake's going to be back soon," Clippers guard J.J. Redick said, via a team release. "Next guy up, I guess. We’ve kind of dealt with this quite a bit lately, and we'll continue to plug away."
The Clippers complete their five-game home stand against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.