Clippers' Chris Paul: Will not play Thursday vs. Warriors

Paul (thumb) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Warriors, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Analysis:

Team doctors medically cleared Paul on Wednesday after he was sidelined for the past month with a torn ligament in his left thumb, but it looks as if the Clippers will err on the side of caution with their superstar point guard and keep him out for the front end of a back-to-back set. Despite his continued absence, it looks as though Paul's return is imminent, and there remains a decent chance he could play as soon as Friday against the Spurs. Austin Rivers will pick up another start Thursday, but he, Jamal Crawford and Raymond Felton will all be at risk of surrendering playing time once Paul is back in action.