Los Angeles Clippers star Chris Paul could return on Sunday to play against the Philadelphia 76ers. Barring any setbacks at practice, Coach Doc Rivers expects Paul to be available for the game.
Paul has been sidelined since Jan. 3 with a separated right shoulder. Although he recently began participating in contact drills at practice, he has yet to participate in a full practice because of the team's schedule.
"He did some one-on-ones today at shootaround and looked pretty good, so I think he's very close," Rivers said on Wednesday, via ESPN. "I don't think he'll play Friday but he could play after that. He took contact today in one-on-ones, but it's still not a five-on -five."
The Clippers are scheduled to have their first full practice for the first time in almost two weeks, which Paul is expected to take part in. If he doesn't experience any setbacks with his shoulder injury, Rivers anticipates Paul returning on Sunday against Philadelphia.
Los Angeles has found ways to win without Paul and currently hold the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture. The Clippers (34-18) are only three games behind the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs.
Returning on Sunday bodes well for Paul's chances of playing in next weekend's All-Star Game. Paul, who's averaging 19.6 points and 11.2 assists per game, earned his seventh NBA All-Star Game invite and is adamant about playing in front of the New Orleans crowd.
"The All-Star Game is in New Orleans, and that's a part of me," said Paul. "That's where I played my very first All-Star Game, and anytime you have that opportunity, I'm not going to pass it up, because it's not guaranteed to happen next year."
