Clippers at Jazz
THE STORY: No Chris Paul, no problem for the Los Angeles
Clippers. Paul, who strained his left hamstring during the fourth
quarter of a victory over the Lakers on Saturday, sat out Monday’s
101-91 win over New Jersey. The Clippers had all five starters in double
figures, but it was Chauncey Billups taking over late in Paul’s
absence. Billups, who started at Paul's point guard spot, scored nine of
his 20 points in the final five minutes after the Clippers blew an
18-point lead. Paul is considered day-to-day, but will travel for
Tuesday night’s game at Utah. The Clippers return home to face Dallas on
Wednesday. “Chris is a fighter, he's competitive, and if he can get out
there, he will,” coach Vinny Del Negro said. “We'll be smart about it
because we have a lot of games left. It's early in the season.” Utah,
coming off a 106-96 victory at Denver, is 6-1 at home. Even more
impressive, the Jazz have won 15 in a row at home against the Clippers
and are an incredible 37-1 against them at EnergySolutions Arena.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), ROOT Sports (Utah)
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (7-3):
Randy Foye made his second start of the season with Paul out and had 13
points and 10 assists. “Randy Foye came in and just played an
unbelievable game,” Billups said. “He had a tough defensive assignment,
chasing Deron (Williams) the whole game, and we depended on him to score
the ball for us and make plays. And he just came through, man. I’m
really happy for him because he’s been needing to get that opportunity.
He’s always ready and he’s a true professional.”
ABOUT THE JAZZ (8-4):
Jazz forward Derrick Favors (sprained right ankle) is doubtful for
Tuesday's game and the Jazz also could be without Josh Howard, who said
his strained quadriceps tightened up on him against New Jersey for the
second consecutive game. “I went out there and tried to warm it up
(before Sunday's tipoff). It wasn't responding the way I wanted it to,”
Howard said. “I want to get it as good as possible.”
BUZZER BEATERS:
1.
According to sheridanhoops.com, Orlando center Dwight Howard has added
the Clippers to his list of teams he would be “intrigued” in joining.
The report cited an unnamed source.
2. Billups is 47 of 50 from the line this season.
3. The Clippers shot only 54.3 percent (19 of 35) from the line against New Jersey.