Chris Paul carrying a groin injury; Likely to start against Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday – NBA Update
Los Angeles Clippers star swingman Chris Paul strained a left groin in Tuesday night’s loss against the Atlanta Hawks. The injury is however not serious and Paul expects to be available for the game-1 of the first round playoff
series against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Paul did not take part in the practice session on Friday just as a precaution, but was rearing to take to the court on Saturday, a day before the game-1;
"They didn't let me practice, but I'll be ready to go tomorrow," Paul said. "I'm feeling better. I'm going to keep going and get treatment."
When asked as to why he didn’t participate in the season finale against the New York Knicks, Paul stressed that his presence in the playoffs was far more important than his team winning the last game, which would have ensured a
home court advantage in the first round;
"Possibly, but it's risk versus reward," He said. "Why go out there and do that and possibly not be able to play Sunday?"
Paul presence will indeed be very significant in the post season, especially in the series against the Grizzlies.
Memphis are a physical team with a lot of depth, especially among the bigs. That fact automatically creates a lot of pressure on Blake Griffin, the other superstar in the team. Blake’s forte is to penetrate and cut towards the
rim and with the likes of Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, Tony Allen and Marcus Speights present on the glass; it will be very difficult for Blake to prosper.
That puts the onus on CP3, firstly to make the plays for Blake and secondly to stretch the court and use the Clippers sharpshooter to good effect. In addition to that, Paul will have to take the responsibility on the offense. He
can be an artist while making a run to the cup and against the Grizzlies; he will have to be at his precise best.
Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro also believed that Paul will be fine come Sunday night, but made it clear that he will be cautious;
"I think he'll be fine," Negro said. "But groins and backs and things like that can be really tough so we'll be as cautious as possible."
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