Nets at Clippers
THE STORY: Chris Paul and Deron Williams share a heated rivalry as two of the top point guards in the league. Paul's wonky hamstring will determine whether the two men will face off Monday as his Los Angeles Clippers entertain Williams and the New Jersey Nets. Paul is enjoying far more success in his current situation, with the Clippers sitting atop the Pacific Division with a 6-3 mark and coming off a satisfying victory over the rival Lakers on Saturday night. Paul was a one-man wrecking crew in that one - scoring a season-best 33 points while adding six assists - but he suffered a hamstring injury in the victory and is considered day-to-day. With the Clippers facing their busiest week of the season, he may sit this one out. Times have been tough for Williams, whose Nets have struggled with injuries and consistency. Williams has done his part - averaging 18.3 points and 8.4 assists - but isn't getting much help, particularly on the offensive end.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, YES, Fox Sports Prime Time
ABOUT THE NETS (3-10): New Jersey has been awful on the boards so far this season, averaging just under 39 per game. The Nets can't exactly blame the absence of injured center Brook Lopez, as his rebounding rate is traditionally one of the worst among players at his position. Aside from Kris Humphries and his 10 rebounds per game, nobody else on the club averages more than five. Poor shooting has also done in the Nets, as they sit 28th in the NBA in shooting percentage (41.2).
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (6-3): Los Angeles has had the cushiest schedule in the NBA so far, playing just six games through the opening 15 days of January. That's about to change, as the Clippers play five games in a seven-day stretch this week - kicked off by a run of three games in three days beginning with Monday's tilt against the Nets. The Clippers make a short trip to Utah for a game against the Jazz on Tuesday before returning to L.A. on Wednesday, where they'll welcome the Dallas Mavericks.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The Nets have won three straight games in the head-to-head series.
2. Either Randy Foye or Mo Williams will likely get the start at point guard for the Clippers if Paul isn't able to go.