Clippers' Chris Paul: Could play Thursday vs. Warriors

Paul (thumb) has been medically cleared to play and could return as soon as Thursday's game against the Warriors, Rowan Kavner of Clippers.com reports.

Analysis:

Paul was said to be progressing as expected in his recovery after undergoing surgery in mid-January to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, but wasn't considered likely to return to the court until early March at the soonest. However, after practicing both Tuesday and Wednesday and apparently looking good in both sessions, it's not out of the realm of possibility for the point guard to return for the first game out of the All-Star break. Even if the Clippers decide to err on the side of caution and hold Paul out Thursday and in Friday's game against the Spurs, it appears fantasy owners should nonetheless prepare for his potential return as soon as next week. Austin Rivers has logged major minutes as the primary point guard during Paul's month-plus absence, but his playing time would take a heavy hit as soon as the perennial All-Star is able to return to action. Jamal Crawford and Raymond Felton could also potentially lose out on some minutes.