ESPN: Chris Paul has bruised thumb; Blake Griffin's x-rays negative

According to Arash Markazi of ESPN, Chris Paul has a bruised thumb and Blake Griffin's x-rays are clean.

As if the Clippers needed to deal with any more injuries, point guard Chris Paul was diagnosed with a bruised left thumb after Tuesday's Game 5 but is expected to start Friday's Game 6 against the Grizzlies.

Meanwhile, Blake Griffin, who suffered a high right ankle sprain during Monday's practice and was taken out of Tuesday's game early, underwent an MRI and X-ray Wednesday, which came back negative. Griffin was hardly able to walk after the game and his availability for Friday is still in doubt.

It is unclear whether or Blake will play on Friday against the Grizzlies

Del Negro said Lamar Odom would start if Griffin could not go but wanted to see how he felt Thursday and Friday before making any decision. Griffin is officially listed as day to day.