LOS ANGELES (AP) --
The Los Angeles Clippers are poised to open their first playoff series in five
years and Chris Paul skipped practice.
The All-Star guard whose
December trade helped propel the Clippers to 40 wins -- their most since 2006-07
-- sat out Friday while recovering from a strained left groin that sidelined
him during their last regular-season game.
Paul says he'll be ready
to go for Sunday's opener in Memphis, where the Grizzlies closed strongly by
winning 11 straight games.
The Clippers definitely need him. Paul
averaged 19.3 points and 8.7 assists in helping them win two out of three
against the Grizzlies, who earned their victory at home in the final meeting
this month.
Paul's arrival just before the lockout-shortened season
began has led to a dramatic change in the Clippers' fortunes.
