Clippers' Chris Paul: Will undergo thumb surgery, set to miss six-to-eight weeks

Paul will undergo surgery Wednesday to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb and is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis:

Paul suffered what was originally diagnosed as a sprain during Monday's game against the Thunder, as he hurt the digit while trying to get around a screen on the defensive end. After an X-ray cleared him of any fractures, a subsequent MRI revealed a torn ligament, which will now require surgery that will likely keep him sidelined until early-to-mid March. With Blake Griffin (knee) still out, the Clippers are now down their top two playmakers until further notice, leaving the team in a rough spot for the time being. Given the length of Paul's absence, Austin Rivers, who has averaged 16.5 points, 3.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 three-pointers in 33.8 minutes per game over nine starts this season, is likely to shift over to point guard on a full-time basis, and profiles as a quality pickup in most season-long formats. Along with Rivers, Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford should also take on added minutes while Paul is sidelined.