Fansided

Chris Paul to start for Los Angeles Clippers in Game 3

By Patrick Schmidt

May 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) guards Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) in the first half of game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills (8) guards Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) in the first half of game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Paul is back for the Clippers after missing the first two games in the series against the Rockets with a hamstring injury.

Chris Paul gave everything he had in Game 7 against the San Antonio Spurs in the opening round as the Los Angeles Clippers point guard overcame a hamstring injury to hit the game-winning shot and eliminate the defending champions.

He sacrificed his body and it gave the Clippers the series where they are playing James Harden and the Houston Rockets in the second round and they had to take the court without their floor general the first two games.

The hamstring injury was just too severe for Paul to play through so head coach Doc Rivers in conjunction with the Clippers training staff sat Paul for Game 1 that the Clippers won and was able to play it cautious with a game in hand and he sat in Game 2’s loss.

But with the series in Los Angeles and the Rockets looking to take home-court advantage back, Paul’s hamstring is suddenly feeling better that he’ll be able to suit up and start for the Clippers on Friday night. He will be back on the court, but don’t expect to see Paul playing 40-plus minutes tonight as he will be restricted.

Despite the minutes restriction, having Paul back in the lineup will be an emotional boost for the Clippers who are looking to take control of the series and regain the series lead. In his absence, Blake Griffin has taken on a point forward role and has been a dominant force, as a former No. 1 overall pick should be.

But having Paul back should align the rotation a bit and lengthen the bench that Rivers has to work with tonight so do you think that will be enough for the Clippers to take down Harden, Dwight Howard and the Rockets?

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