Coach Doc Rivers said Monday that Stephenson will "most likely" get the start on opening night, Rowan Kavner of Clippers.com reports.

Coach Doc Rivers said Monday that Stephenson will "most likely" get the start on opening night, but Rivers also noted that Paul Pierce worked with the first group at Monday's practice, Rowan Kavner of Clippers.com reports.

Analysis:

The Clippers added significant depth on the wing this offseason, bringing in Stephenson via trade and also adding Wes Johnson and Paul Pierce. All three are in contention to start at small forward, but it looks as though Rivers is leaning toward Stephenson, despite his preseason woes. Stephenson did not score in double-figures in six contests and struggled with his outside shot, in particular, converting just 1-of-9 attempts. Given Stephenson's lengthy track record of unpredictability, it wouldn't be a surprise if Rivers switches up his starting lineup more often this season, and the veteran Pierce figures to be on the court most often in key, late-game situations.