Chris Paul to miss Memphis game with contusion in right kneecap [Updated]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Clippers point guard Chris Paul has a contusion in his right kneecap and will not play Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum.

There also is a good chance that Paul won’t play in Houston on Tuesday night in a back-to-back game.

Paul didn’t participate in the Clippers’ shoot-around earlier Monday, sitting on the sidelines with what he said was a swollen knee. He had a stimulant device connected to his knee.

Asked if he would play against the Grizzlies, Paul said: “I don’t know yet. If a miracle comes through. I hope so. I want to play, no question. But if I feel like I’ll hinder the team, then I won’t.”

Paul was injured against Orlando when he and Magic guard J.J. Redick bumped knees late in the fourth quarter.

Paul went down on the court for a while, but finished the game.

“It’s a little swollen,” Paul said. “I’ll see if I can get it out by game time.”

Paul is second on the team in scoring (16.9 points per game), and first in assists (9.7), steals (2.62) and minutes per game (33.4).

Memphis small forward Rudy Gay isn’t playing either because he’s attending his grandmother’s funeral.

[Updated 4:45 p.m.: “I didn’t get that miracle,” Paul said. “I wanted to play, but I’ll be OK.”

The Clippers said Paul is listed as day-to-day.

Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro said Eric Bledsoe will start at point guard in Paul’s place.

Jamal Crawford will be the backup point guard and Del Negro said Grant Hill could run the offense some as well.]

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