Chris Paul out 'next couple' of games for Clippers

Chris Paul did not play Wednesday when the Los Angeles Clippers fell at home 103-91 to the Indiana Pacers, and coach Doc Rivers expects him to be out the "next couple" of games.

He is expected to miss at least two contests after an MRI showed an inflamed rib. Apparently the injury flared up a few weeks back. Paul left Monday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers, grabbing at his side after a fairly innocuous-looking play and did not return.

Either way, it's a severe blow to the Clippers, who cannot afford to lose one of their top-two players at a time when they seem to have turned the corner after a rough stretch. L.A. had won three straight before Wednesday's loss. To potentially make matters worse for the starting backcourt, the Clippers also lost shooting guard J.J. Redick in that game with a right ankle injury.

Even if his numbers are a little off his last few seasons, Paul is his usual All-Star caliber self so far, averaging 17 points and 8.3 assists per game.

He missed three games last month with a sore right groin.