Griffin, Paul, Billups out for Clippers against Magic tonight
Blake Griffin (strained left hamstring), Chris Paul (bruised right kneecap) and Chauncey Billups (tendinitis in left foot) have been ruled out of Wednesday night’s game against the Orlando Magic.
Though the three starters are listed as day-to-day, Griffin, Paul and Billups are targeting Friday night’s game at the Miami Heat as a possible comeback game.
Coincidentally for Billups, it was exactly a year ago on this date, in a game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center, that the 6-3 guard suffered a season-ending torn left Achilles’ tendon.
“That’s crazy. A year to the day,” Billups said. “The same building. It’s weird. But it is what it is. I’m just happy that now I’m better. I can walk and move and run and jump. It’s a long road, but I’m much better.”
Billups returned from that injury in late November and played in three games.
But he has missed the last 34 games with the tendinitis.
Adding some irony for Billups, he was playing three-on-three Tuesday with Clippers head athletic trainer Jasen Powell when Powell ruptured his right Achilles’ tendon.
“We were just playing for five minutes, too,” Billups said. “When that happened, I said, ‘I’m done. I’m out of here.’ ”
Powell has a walking boot and a crutch to get around on.
“Man, the one time I decide to play,” he said, “and this happens.”
ALSO:
UCLA signs Sean Covington, Caleb Benenoch
USC Athletic Director Pat Haden stands behind Lane Kiffin
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
