To Play or Not to Play? The Chris Paul Dilemma

Wednesday’s loss to the Rockets showed how much the Clippers are missing Chris Paul in the Western Conference semifinals so far.  While the team got the job done in Game 1, their disappointing loss in Game 2 left fans wondering if Paul will be the game-changer against a squad that the Clippers have shown they can keep up with on their own.

At the moment, Chris Paul’s status is listed as day-to-day and it is likely he will once again be a game-time decision on Friday night.  The decision could have huge ramifications for the Clippers post-season.  In the short-term, even a serviceable Paul could provide the boost needed to overcome the Rockets in Game 3.  On the other hand, it can be assumed that a competitor like Paul would not sit out such crucial games like the playoffs unless he truly felt he was not in condition to go out on the court.  If Paul returns too soon, he runs the risk of re-injuring his left hamstring and taking himself out of the playoffs completely.  Considering that he will be guarding offensive machine James Harden and out-maneuvering Dwight Howard, he will be going straight into the fire when he returns.  This leaves Los Angeles to decide whether or not to gamble on his health.

As has already been discussed here on LA Sports Hub, the Clippers post-season hopes begin and end with having Paul in the line-up producing amazing numbers.  In the series against the Spurs, Paul averaged around 20 points and 10 assists per game.  Perhaps more vital than the numbers he puts up is the effect that his presence has on the opposing defense.  He opens up the floor in a way that only elite guards like Stephen Curry, Harden, and Russell Westbrook can.  He draws two defenders throughout the night and opens the floor for alley-oops to the likes of Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan.  If the defense is too congested in the paint then it means he’s opened up the perimeter where he has the option to kick the ball out to shooters like J.J. Redick and Jamal Crawford.  As seen in Game 7 against the Spurs, he has the touch to sink in a clutch shot if he needs to get the job done himself.

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With the chemistry that has been found by the Clippers second unit, it appears that the only thing they are truly missing to make their run at the title is Paul.  Doc Rivers and the entire team undoubtedly know this, but the clock is ticking for them to make the run that analysts and insiders believe they have in them.  DeAndre Jordan is set to become a free agent this coming summer and will be fielding offers from around the NBA.  The Clippers have the talent to defeat the Rockets, but they will need nothing less than full force to win a series against either the Warriors or Grizzlies and whatever team comes out of the East.

If the Clippers decide to sit Paul on Friday night then Game 4 will be on Sunday giving him eight days of rest.  From the way they played in the last two games the Clippers will be able to survive without their All-Star guard.  The only question is how long they will be able to keep it up without him.