Chris Paul Out For Game 1

"I just don't think he's healthy enough to play", said Doc Rivers.

The Clippers will ride into Houston tonight for the first game of their second round series against the Houston Rockets without their leader, Chris Paul, who produced a remarkable game 7 performance against San Antonio in the first round, leading the Clippers to victory with an injured hamstring by scoring the latest game-winning basket in the history of game 7s.

Doc Rivers noted that he expects CP3 to play in this series, maybe by game 2.

Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford will both have greatly increased roles for the Clippers with Paul's absence, and deeper reserves like Lester Hudson and Dahntay Jones could also see minutes.  Normally inactive are wings C.J. Wilcox and Jordan Hamilton.  At least one of these two will become active tonight.