Description: Blake Griffin came off the bench Friday against Memphis. The Clippers forward suffered a high ankle sprain Tuesday in Game 5.
Insight: Lamar Odom got the start in his place. Griffin obviously isn't 100 percent but he'll give it his best effort as the Clippers try to force a Game 7.
Description: Los Angeles power forward Blake Griffin will be a game-time decision Friday against the Grizzlies. Griffin sprained his right ankle Wednesday in Game 5. SOURCE: Dan Woike, Orange County Register
Insight: The Clippers are facing elimination so they're going to do everything they can to get Griffin ready to play. Even if Griffin does suit up, he won't be close to 100 percent.
Description: Clippers forward Blake Griffin is probable for Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals Saturday against Memphis while dealing with back spasms.
Insight: Griffin (18.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.2 spg) took part in Friday's practice and we fully expect to see him on the court for Game 1.
Description: Clippers guard Chris Paul was the NBA's steals leader once again in 2012-13 (2.4 spg).
Insight: The leader of Lob City has led the league in takeaways five times in his last six seasons. The last time he didn't lead the NBA in that category was in 2010 when Rajon Rondo produced a league-high 2.33 spg for the Celtics.
Description: Los Angeles center DeAndre Jordan led the league in field goal percentage during the 2012-13 regular season (64.3 percent).
Insight: And it wasn't even that close. The Lakers' Dwight Howard was second with a 57.8 percent success rate from the field. Keep in mind that most of Jordan's baskets this season came on dunks. His free-throw percentage in 2012-13 was among the worst in the league (38.6 percent from that distance).
Description: Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Chauncey Billups (groin) said he would be ready to go on Tuesday, though we reserve our opinion until after the morning shootaround.
Insight: Even if he returns, it will only be as a playoff tuneup. He won't have much fantasy value as he's likely to have his minutes severely limited.
Description: Clippers center DeAndre Jordan suffered a right knee injury Friday against the Hornets.
Insight: Jordan (five points, three rebounds in 23 minutes) only left the game for a brief time during the third quarter and it looks like he's still on track to play Saturday night versus the Grizzlies. Jordan's huge dunks get plenty of views on YouTube but he's really just an average fantasy player (8.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg).
Description: Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Chauncey Billups (groin) practiced Thursday but was still held out of Friday's game and could miss Saturday as well.
Insight: Billups practiced Tuesday as well but didn't play Wednesday. Even if he returns this season, it will only be as a playoff tuneup. He won't have any fantasy value.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Chauncey Billups (groin) practiced Thursday but is doubtful for Friday's game.
Insight: Billups practiced Tuesday as well but didn't play Wednesday. Even if he returns this season, it will only be as a playoff tuneup. He won't have any fantasy value.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Chauncey Billups returned to practice on Tuesday and could play on Wednesday against the Timberwolves.
Insight: He's been out with a groin injury. Even if he returns before the playoffs, he won't make for much of a fantasy option as the team will likely limit his minutes.
Description: Clippers forward Blake Griffin netted 24 points Sunday in a win over the Lakers.
Insight: He also came away with 12 rebounds and five assists. Griffin, normally a poor free throw shooter, was 7-of-8 from that distance on Sunday. The Clippers' next game is Wednesday against the Timberwolves.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul obliterated the Lakers Sunday in a win at Staples Center.
Insight: He finished with 24 points, 12 assists, five rebounds and three steals. You won't find a more complete fantasy point guard than the Clippers' floor general.
Description: Los Angeles guard Chauncey Billups will miss Sunday's game.
Insight: He's out with a groin injury. Billups has played in fewer than half of the team's games this season and the Clippers have plenty of other guards at their disposal. Even if he returns before the playoffs, he won't make for much of a fantasy option.
Description: Clippers center Ryan Hollins got tossed from Wednesday night's win over Phoenix after putting Suns point guard Goran Dragic in a headlock.
Insight: Hollins was assessed a flagrant two and had to leave the floor with just under nine minutes remaining. It's unknown if the league will discipline him any further. Hollins only plays about 10 minutes per game so fantasy owners won't need to adjust their lineups if he gets suspended.
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes is questionable for Monday's game against Indiana with a sprained left ankle.
Insight: Barnes gives you a little bit of everything from off the bench averaging 10.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.1 spg and 1.5 threes per contest. He's even better when he gets a rare starting nod (15.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.3 apg).
Description: Los Angeles guard Chauncey Billups won't be on the floor Saturday against Houston.
Insight: He's out with a groin injury. Billups has played in fewer than half of the team's games this season and the Clippers have plenty of other guards at their disposal. Willie Green (6.0 ppg) and Jamal Crawford (16.6 ppg) should benefit the most from Billups' absence.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups (groin) aggravated his injury Wednesday and won't return to the game.
Insight: Billups had 11 points and three treys in 13 minutes Wednesday but he's not going to play more than 20-25 minutes in any game for the rest of the season and he'll probably need a few games off after his latest setback.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups (groin) will play Wednesday but his minutes will be capped in the low 20s, according to Clippers reporter Madelyn Burke.
Insight: That's not far off from what he has been playing this season. He's averaging 8.0 ppg in 19 mpg.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups is questionable for Wednesday's game against Houston while dealing with a strained right groin, according to Madelyn Burke.
Insight: Billups is only averaging about 20 minutes per game to make sure he's ready for the playoffs, so even when healthy he's not going to produce enough numbers to be of value to fantasy owners on a team deep like the Clippers. Willie Green would get another start if Billups can't go. He's averaging 11 ppg over his last three starts.
Description: Clippers guard Chris Paul will play through a knee injury Tuesday against the Mavericks, according to Bryan Gutierrez of Mavs.com.
Insight: Paul's knee swelled a bit after Saturday's game and he was a game-time decision with the Clippers playing four road games in the next five days.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups will miss Tuesday's game with a lingering groin injury.
Insight: Billups is only averaging about 20 minutes per game to make sure he's ready for the playoffs, so even when healthy he's not going to produce enough numbers to be of value to fantasy owners on a team deep like the Clippers. Willie Geen will get another start after scoring 14 ppg over the last two.
Description: Clippers backup center Ronny Turiaf is probable for Tuesday's game against Dallas with a sore left knee which has forced him to watch the last four games from the sidelines.
Insight: Turiaf has no fantasy value, but his absence helps C DeAndre Jordan and PF Lamar Odom build their statistics.
Description: Clippers guard Chris Paul is questionable for Tuesday's game against Dallas with a sore left knee.
Insight: Paul's knee swelled a bit after Saturday's game and the Clippers have back-to-back games on the schedule. Don't be surprised if he sits one of them out.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups is questionable for Tuesday's game against Dallas due to a strained right groin.
Insight: Billups is only averaging about 20 minutes per game to make sure he's ready for the playoffs, so even when healthy he's not going to produce enough numbers to be of value to fantasy owners on a team deep at guard like the Clippers.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups (hamstring) will miss Saturday's game.
Insight: Billups is only averaging about 20 minutes per game to make sure he's ready for the playoffs, so even when healthy he's not going to produce enough numbers to be of value to fantasy owners.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Eric Bledsoe (calf) will be available off the bench Saturday night.
Insight: Bledsoe has missed five consecutive games. His return should help the Clippers, but he was only playing an average of 16 minutes in the nine games prior to the injury. That's not enough to warrant fantasy ownership.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups is questionable for Saturday's game against Brooklyn due to a hamstring injury.
Insight: Billups is only averaging about 20 minutes per game to make sure he's ready for the playoffs, so even when healthy he's not going to produce enough numbers to be of value to fantasy owners.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups will miss Wednesday's game versus Philadelphia due to a groin/hamstring injury.
Insight: Willie Green will start at shooting guard but Caron Butler and Matt Barnes will likely see the biggest minutes boost. Billups played 25 mpg and scored 10.8 ppg in his previous three games before suffering the injury in the hamstring and groin area on Tuesday.
Description: Clippers backup center Ronny Turiaf is questionable for Tuesday's game against Sacramento with a sore left knee which also kept him out of Sunday's game with the Knicks.
Insight: Turiaf has no fantasy value, but his absence helps C DeAndre Jordan and PF Lamar Odom build their statistics.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Eric Bledsoe didn't play Sunday against the Knicks and Bledsoe is doubtful for Tuesday's game against Sacramento because of a left calf injury.
Insight: There is no reason to rush Bledsoe back into the Clippers' lineup at this time. Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Jamal Crawford and Willie Green are all healthy and playing. Bledsoe had a nice run earlier in the year when Paul was out with a knee injury, but that seems like a lifetime ago.
Description: Clippers small forward Caron Butler (elbow) returned to action Sunday against the Knicks with 14 points, five rebounds and four threes in 29 minutes.
Insight: Meanwhile, Matt Barnes only played 21 minutes and took six shots. Butler only ended up missing one game due to a left elbow strain.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Eric Bledsoe isn't expected to play Sunday against the Knicks. Bledsoe has missed the Clippers' past two games because of a calf injury.
Insight: The Clippers' backcourt is already bursting at the seams with the presence of Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Jamal Crawford and Willie Green. Bledsoe had a nice run earlier in the year when Paul was out with a knee injury but that seems like a lifetime ago. Bledsoe (9.0 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.1 rpg) is in fantasy prison right now.
Description: According to Dan Woike from the Orange Country Register, Clippers swingman Caron Butler should be available for Sunday's game against the Knicks. Butler missed Wednesday's game against Memphis because of a strained elbow.
Insight: Butler's fantasy owners should send the league schedulers a thank you letter. For whatever reason, the Clippers only played once this week. Butler's absence could have been crippling (they played four games in a week earlier this month) but instead it was more like a slap on the wrist. Expect the two-time All-Star to have a strong game Sunday against the injury-depleted Knicks.
Description: Clippers small forward Caron Butler (elbow) practiced Friday and hopes to play Sunday against the New York Knicks, according to Brad Turner of the LA Times.
Insight: Butler strained his left elbow last Sunday against Detroit. His return would put a damper on Matt Barnes' recent resurgence.
Description: Even though Clippers forward Caron Butler was initially ruled out for a week with an elbow injury, the team was optimistic he might play Wednesday. However, he experienced pain during shootaround and ended up missing the game. SOURCE: LA Daily News
Insight: Butler strained his left elbow in Sunday night's win over Detroit. If he returns earlier than expected it will put a damper on Matt Barnes' recent resurgence.
Description: Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe missed his second straight game with a sore left calf Wednesday night, and the Los Angeles Times says that "it doesn't look as if he will play any time soon. He can't even practice with the team."
Insight: The Clippers don't play until Sunday so Bledsoe has three full days to rest. However, even if he can return he hasn't been playing enough minutes to be a fantasy factor.
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes started Wednesday and played nearly 39 minutes against the Grizzlies with Caron Butler (elbow strain) out for a week. He scored 14 points with seven rebounds, three assists, a steal, a block and two threes.
Insight: That's the type of all-around production we came to expect from Barnes earlier this season but his minutes and numbers slipped in February. He's averaging 17.3 ppg over his last four.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford has been upgraded to probable for Wednesday's game against Memphis. He's dealing with a sore left ankle.
Insight: Before missing the last two games, Crawford had averaged 23 ppg over his previous four games and has made himself a viable option. Matt Barnes sees minutes behind SG Chauncey Billups when Crawford is out of the lineup.
Description: Los Angeles forward Caron Butler will be sidelined for the next week because of an elbow injury.
Insight: Butler strained his left elbow in Sunday night's win over Detroit. Butler's backup Matt Barnes (17.3 ppg in his last three appearances) should be a popular pickup in fantasy leagues this week.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford is questionable for Wednesday's game against Memphis with a sore left ankle.
Insight: Before missing the last two games, Crawford had averaged 23 ppg over his previous four games and has made himself a viable option. Matt Barnes sees minutes behind SG Chauncey Billups when Crawford is out of the lineup.
Description: Clippers backup point guard Eric Bledsoe is doubtful for Wednesday's game against Memphis with a sore left calf injury.
Insight: Bledsoe hasn't played more than 16 minutes in any of his last five games. He's going to need an injury to Chris Paul to be viable option this season and since it appears Paul is going to agree to play in Los Angeles next year a trade for Bledsoe to be a viable fantasy option next season.
Description: Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said that Eric Bledsoe is still day-to-day with a calf injury.
Insight: Bledsoe hasn't played more than 16 minutes in any of his last five games since sitting out a game with the same injury, and he hasn't scored more than seven points since Feb. 11.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford is questionable for Sunday's game against Detroit with a sore left ankle.
Insight: Crawford has averaged 23 ppg over his last four games and has made himself a viable option. Matt Barnes becomes a viable option when Crawford is out of the lineup.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin recorded his first triple-double of the season Wednesday in a win over Milwaukee.
Insight: His final line was 23 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Griffin is averaging 11.3 rpg in his last four contests. He's shooting 62 percent from the field over that same span.
Description: Chris Paul thwarted a late Pacers comeback by scoring eight points in the fourth quarter Thursday night in Indiana.
Insight: Paul was magnificent down the stretch, knocking in all three of his field goal attempts over the game's final two and a half minutes. The six-time All-Star finished the night with a game-high 29 points. He also contributed six rebounds and eight assists.
Description: Los Angeles center DeAndre Jordan suffered a bloody nose Thursday night against Indiana.
Insight: He took a forearm to the face and is in the locker room getting X-rays right now. The Clippers are pretty thin at center so they'll probably be looking to get Jordan back into the game as quickly as possible.
Description: Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe is back in the lineup for Thursday night's game against the Pacers.
Insight: Bledsoe sat out Tuesday because of a sore calf. He's been a nonfactor lately, producing just 6.7 ppg since Chris Paul's return from a bruised knee cap.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford, who missed Tuesday's game due to the birth of his child, is expected to play Thursday against the Indiana Pacers.
Insight: Crawford is averaging 16.7 ppg in 29.5 minutes per game, but the Clippers didn't need him to beat Charlotte by 22 points. Matt Barnes, Chauncey Billups and Grant Hill saw an increase in playing time with Crawford out.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Eric Bledsoe (calf) will miss Tuesday's game against Charlotte, according to Arash Markazi of ESPNLA.com.
Insight: Jamal Crawford is also out so look for the Clippers to rely heavily on Matt Barnes, Willie Green and Caron Butler on the wing with Chauncey Billups getting around 20 minutes as well.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford will miss Tuesday's game against Charlotte due to the birth of his daughter. SOURCE: Eric Pincus, Los Angeles Times
Insight: Crawford is averaging 16.7 ppg in 29.5 minutes per game. Chauncey Billups, Matt Barnes, Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler will likely absorb his minutes Tuesday.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers forward Lamar Odom had 18 points with six rebounds, one steal and two threes in 23 minutes Saturday against Utah.
Insight: Believe it or not, the 18 points are a season high for Odom. In fact, Saturday was just the second time this season Odom has scored in double figures.
Description: Even with Caron Butler's resurgence, the Clippers are still finding time for small forward Matt Barnes to play around 24 mpg over his last 10 contests, but he just isn't taking advantage of them. He's only shooting 36.9 percent from the field for 8.7 ppg in that span.
Insight: Barnes was a fantasy surprise earlier this season with averages of 12.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 1.0 blocks and 1.7 threes in 27 minutes over 31 games from Nov. 28 to Jan. 26 but his play has slipped lately. With Butler playing well and Chauncey Billups back in the starting lineup, look for Barnes to get about 20-25 minutes per night.
Description: Clippers small forward Caron Butler had 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting with five rebounds, one steal and two triples Saturday night against Utah.
Insight: Butler is averaging 13.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.8 3pt and 27 mpg over his last 12 games.
Description: Yahoo Sports reports that Chris Paul is expected to re-sign with the Clippers when he becomes a free agent this offseason.
Insight: The Lob City Era lives on (most likely). Paul is coming off an MVP performance in Sunday night's NBA All-Star Game (20 points, 15 assists, four steals).
Description: Los Angeles Clippers forward Lamar Odom is probable for Thursday's game against San Antonio with a scratched eye.
Insight: Odom plays the same position as superstar Blake Griffin so hasn't seen a ton of minutes this season (19 mpg) and that's not going to change except for an injury. He's averaging 3.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.9 apg and won't have fantasy value unless he sees 30 minutes a game.
Description: Clippers point guard Chris Paul led the NBA in steals during the first half (2.6 spg).
Insight: He's not far behind in free throw shooting (88.4 percent) and Paul (9.6 apg) should eventually pass Rajon Rondo for the league-lead in assists. Paul's strong play during the first half is a huge reason why the Clippers are third in the Western Conference with 39 wins in their first 56 games.
Description: The Clippers admitted that guard Jamal Crawford probably shouldn't have played in a few games after he was injured during their eight-game road trip but he gutted them out with several teammates also ailing. SOURCE: LA Times
Insight: Crawford broke his nose and suffered from a sore right shoulder on the trip. He also has been dealing with a left thigh bruise but only missed one game. "Honestly, the last trip was probably the most banged up I've been at one time in my career," Crawford said. "Like different things. I had a thigh contusion. I can talk about it now, but back then you don't want to talk about it." Crawford should benefit from the extra rest during the All-Star break.
Description: Chauncey Billups is back in action Wednesday against the Rockets. The Los Angeles guard sat out Monday because of a sore back.
Insight: Billups hasn't scored more than nine points in any of his five games this season. With the logjam the Clippers have guard, we wouldn't expect Billups (7.4 ppg) to be anything more than a borderline fantasy contributor in 2012-13.
Description: Clippers small forward Caron Butler returned to the starting lineup Wednesday against Houston after missing Monday's game with an injured back.
Insight: Matt Barnes (10.4 ppg) will head back to the bench. Butler (9.8 ppg) is averaging 13.9 ppg in his career against the Rockets.
Description: Los Angeles small forward Caron Butler is questionable for Wednesday's game against Houston. Butler injured his back Saturday by sleeping wrong and missed the game with the Sixers.
Insight: Matt Barnes (10.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg) should see more time in Butler's absence.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups, who was a late scratch Monday against Philadelphia, is questionable for Wednesday's game against Houston.
Insight: Billups supposedly is dealing with back trouble though we'd guess the Clippers are just trying to slowly ease his way back into the flow after missing so many games.
Description: Los Angeles guard Chris Paul owned the Sixers Monday night in Philadelphia. He finished with 21 points, 11 assists and five steals in just 25 minutes of action.
Insight: The knee issue that sidelined Paul for nine games earlier in the month is no longer an issue. This game concludes the Clippers' eight-game East Coast swing (4-4 on the road trip).
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups was a late scratch Monday against Philadelphia.
Insight: Billups supposedly is dealing with back trouble though we'd guess the Clippers are just trying to give their veteran some added rest before the All-Star break. Willie Green (6.1 ppg) and Jamal Crawford (17.0 ppg) will both see more minutes tonight with Billups not on the floor.
Description: Los Angeles small forward Caron Butler is out for Monday's game against Philadelphia. Butler injured his back Saturday by sleeping on the wrong bed.
Insight: Well that's one way to get hurt.. Matt Barnes (10.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg) should see more time Monday as the Clippers try and extend their win streak to two Monday against the bottom-dwellling Sixers.
Description: Clippers forward Caron Butler is questionable for Monday's game against Philadelphia with a strained lower back. He was forced out of Sunday's game after playing just 12 minutes.
Insight: Butler told the Los Angeles Times that he slept badly Saturday night and it caused his back to tighten. He's averaging 9.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.0 apg. Reserve small forward Matt Barnes is the more attractive fantasy option anyway, averaging 10.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.1 spg and 1.3 threes.
Description: Clippers point guard Chris Paul's return to action Friday against Miami wasn't very good, but on Sunday he returned to being the Chris Paul we expect with 25 points, six rebounds, seven assists and four steals.
Insight: The Clippers' 102-88 win was just their second in the past six games, but Paul playing at full strength should remedy that problem. Eric Bledsoe played just 18 minutes and his fantasy value will return to that of handcuff.
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes is questionable for Sunday's game against New York after suffering a bone bruise in his left hand.
Insight: As a starter Barnes is averaging 19.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg, but Caron Butler has is the starter and as a backup Barnes is much less effective averaging 10.1 ppg and 4.7 rpg in 25 minutes.
Description: Chris Paul's return to action Friday against Miami wasn't anything to write home about. The All-Star point guard registered just three point and two assists in 20 minutes of action as the Clippers lost in blow-out fashion, 111-89.
Insight: The Heat stretched the lead to as many as 30 late in the third quarter, which was Vinny Del Negro's cue to take Paul out of the game. The Clippers have completely fallen apart, losing eight of their last 11 games. Paul and company will try and right the ship Sunday against Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks.
Description: Los Angeles shooting guard Chauncey Billups will play Friday against the Heat. Billups has missed the Clippers' last 34 games with a foot injury.
Insight: We're not sure what to expect from the injury-prone Billups (7.3 ppg) on Friday night. For now, we're using a "wait and see" approach with the veteran before making any kind of recommendation.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford is back after missing Wednesday's game with an injured shoulder.
Insight: Crawford will come off the bench Friday night in Miami. He's scored at least 20 points in each of his last two games but we doubt he reaches that threshold again tonight with Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups back in the lineup.
Description: He's back (finally). Clippers point guard Chris Paul will be in the lineup Friday against Miami after missing nine games with a bruised knee cap.
Insight: The Clippers must be ecstatic to have their starting point guard back. With Paul out, the team struggled to a pitiful 3-6 record and fell to third place in the Western Conference. Paul is averaging 17.7 ppg and 10.7 apg in 13 meetings with the Heat.
Description: Forward Blake Griffin is back after missing the Clippers' last two games with an injured hamstring.
Insight: Griffin isn't the only Clipper who will be making his triumphant return Friday in South Beach. Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups and Jamal Crawford are all back in the lineup. Meanwhile, the Heat will be without Ray Allen and Chris Bosh, who are both dealing with the flu. Griffin racked up 20 points and 14 rebounds the last time he faced the Heat back on November 14th.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Jamal Crawford is questionable for Friday's game against Miami due to a sore right shoulder. He'll be a game-time decision.
Insight: Crawford is averaging 16.9 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.9 threes making him one of the best sixth men in the league. As long as Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups remain sidelined, Crawford, if on the floor, will see 30-plus minutes.
Description: The Los Angeles Times reports that Clippers shooting guard Jamal Crawford could play Friday against the Heat. Crawford missed Wednesday's game in Orlando because of a sore shoulder.
Insight: With Crawford, Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups all expected to play on Friday, it appears that Eric Bledsoe's brief reign of fantasy relevance has ended. Consider trading Bledsoe (22.3 ppg in his last three contests) now while his value is still relatively high.
Description: Clippers shooting guard Chauncey Billups is aiming to return Friday night against the Heat. Billups has missed 34 games in a row with an injured foot.
Insight: It's unclear what type of role Billups will have upon his return, especially since Eric Bledsoe has been playing so well lately. Billups (7.3 ppg in three games this season) will always be a player to keep an eye out for because of his championship pedigree but at age 36 and coming off another serious injury, we're just not sure how much the veteran has left in the tank.
Description: According to the Orange County Regiser, Los Angeles forward Blake Griffin should return from his hamstring injury "sometime" before the All-Star break.
Insight: It doesn't look like Griffin (18.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg) will be suiting up Friday against Miami but at least the Clippers will be getting Chris Paul back from a knee injury. If Griffin shows progress in his recovery, perhaps he'll be able to play Sunday versus the Knicks in a nationally televised game at Madison Square Garden.
Description: Los Angeles guard Chris Paul is hoping to be back in the lineup Friday against Miami after missing the last nine games with a bruised knee cap.
Insight: Paul's return won't be good for Eric Bledsoe's fantasy value. The backup point guard was just beginning to show his true potential, scoring a career-high 27 points Wednesday in a win against the Magic.
Description: Clippers center DeAndre Jordan continued his recent rebounding binge with 14 boards Wednesday against the Magic.
Insight: Jordan has had free reign in the low post with Blake Griffin out of the lineup the past two games (18 rpg). He should be in for another big night Friday against the Heat. Despite having the best record in the Eastern Conference, Miami is last in the league in rebounds per game (39 rpg) and All-Star big man Chris Bosh (17.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg) might not play because of an illness.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Eric Bledsoe blew up for a career-high 27 points Wednesday in a win against the Magic.
Insight: The victory snapped a three-game slide for the Clippers, who were again playing without All-Stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Bledsoe has scored 20 points or more four times in his 172 games in the NBA (five out of 183 if you include playoff games). Two of those 20-point efforts have happened in the last four days (Sunday at Boston and tonight against Orlando). The third-year guard is on a roll right now and should be started in all fantasy leagues.
Description: Clippers shooting guard Jamal Crawford will be forced to watch Wednesday's game from the sidelines. He's out with a sore right shoulder.
Insight: Crawford (16.9 ppg) also broke his nose over the weekend so it's been a tough week for the veteran sixth man. With Crawford out, Willie Green (6.1 ppg) will have to play a bigger role tonight against the Magic.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (hamstring) will miss Wednesday's game versus Orlando, according to OrlandoMagic.com writer John Denton.
Insight: Veteran Lamar Odom should get the start in Griffin's place though Odom didn't show much in his Monday start. Given that half of Orlando's team is also sidelined, the Clippers may feel they can win the game without Griffin and let him sit until Friday versus the defending champion Miami Heat.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (hamstring) missed Monday's game and is listed as questionable for Wednesday versus Orlando. He'll be a game-time decision.
Insight: Veteran Lamar Odom would get the start in Griffin's place if they decide to be conservative with their star, though Odom didn't show much in his Monday start. Given that half of Orlando's team is sidelined, the Clippers may feel they can win the game without Griffin and let him sit until Friday versus the defending champion Miami Heat.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (hamstring) could miss Wednesday's game but sources told ESPNLosAngeles.com that the benching was "precautionary" and that Griffin is "just dinged up some."
Insight: Veteran Lamar Odom got the start in Griffin's place Monday after Griffin was a late scratch. While he didn't show much of an offensive game (three points, five turnovers), he did pull down nine rebounds. Fantasy owners shouldn't worry too much about Griffin, even if he has to miss Wednesday's game.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin, who was a last-minute scratch Monday against the Wizards, is doubtful for Wednesday's game against Orlando. Griffin has a strained left hamstring.
Insight: Veteran Lamar Odom got the start in Griffin's place, but didn't show much of an offensive game (three points, five turnovers), though he did pull down nine rebounds.
Description: Los Angeles center DeAndre Jordan captured 22 rebounds Monday against the Wizards.
Insight: With Blake Griffin out, Jordan and Ronny Turiaf were the only low-post players that were available for the Clippers on Monday night. Monday was Jordan's 11th double-digit rebounding performance of the season. The 22 rebounds were a career-high for Jordan.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin was a last-minute scratch Monday against the Wizards. Griffin has a strained left hamstring.
Insight: Veteran Lamar Odom got the start in Griffin's place. Chris Paul (16.6 ppg, 9.7 apg) is also out for tonight's game (knee injury). The flood of injuries is a big reason why Los Angeles has now lost six of its last eight games after starting the season 32-9.
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes had a miserable day Sunday versus the Celtics. He failed to make a field goal on six attempts in 26 minutes and had three assists and two rebounds.
Insight: Barnes was ejected for a flagrant foul Wednesday and suspended for Friday so he actually ends this fantasy week with zero points, steals or blocks and just two rebounds.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Eric Bledsoe stuffed the stat sheet with 23 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists Sunday in a loss to the Celtics.
Insight: Bledsoe really turned it on in the second half, contributing 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Bledsoe plays the game at 100 mph, which means he's excellent on the fast break but also prone to turnovers and getting out of control.
Description: Los Angeles sixth man Jamal Crawford is expected to play Sunday against the Celtics despite suffering a broken nose Friday against Toronto.
Insight: Crawford will wear a mask to protect his face. The 32-year-old is on a bit of a cold streak, averaging just 13.3 ppg on 35 percent shooting over his last three games.
Description: Clippers point guard Chris Paul has already been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Celtics. Paul is still nursing a bruised right knee cap.
Insight: Paul hasn't played since January 21st, meaning that Sunday will mark the seventh game he's missed in a row. Backup Eric Bledsoe is averaging 11.3 ppg, 5.0 apg and 4.7 rpg in Paul's absence but he's shooting just 33.3 percent from the field over that span (25-for-75).
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes, who was suspended for one game without pay after being assessed a flagrant-2 foul on Timberwolves center Greg Stiemsma Wednesday, has served his time and is eligible to play Sunday against Boston.
Insight: Barnes was ejected from the game after hitting Stiemsma in the neck. The small forward took issue with Stiemsma's hard screens on multiple Clippers players.
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes has been suspended for one game without pay after being assessed a flagrant-2 foul on Timberwolves center Greg Stiemsma Wednesday.
Insight: Barnes was ejected from the game after hitting Stiemsma in the neck. The small forward took issue with Stiemsma's hard screens on multiple Clippers players. Caron Butler scored 19 points with five rebounds in 35 minutes Wednesday and should play similar minutes Friday at Toronto.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin reportedly woke up with swelling in his left ankle and was playing with a noticeable limp against Minnesota. SOURCE: Orange County Register
Insight: Griffin played 36 minutes and scored 26 points with 13 rebounds, so it can't be that serious. "It's a pain management thing," Griffin said. "As long as you can play through the pain, it's really not that bad."
Description: Clippers center DeAndre Jordan had his first double-double since the first game of January Wednesday against Minnesota.
Insight: Jordan had 16 points and 12 rebounds with two blocks. It was his highest point total since Dec. 28 and his highest rebound total since Nov. 23. Though the center shoots close to 60 percent from the field, his 1.4 blocks per game are not enough to offset a disastrous free-throw percentage (.429) and low point and rebound averages (9.0, 6.9).
Description: Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin put up 26 points, 13 rebounds and three steals while making 11-of-17 from the field and 4-of-4 from the foul line Wednesday against Minnesota.
Insight: Griffin is getting on a roll again. He's averaging 23.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.3 steals over his last six games.
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes was assessed a flagrant-2 foul and has been ejected from Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves.
Insight: Barnes went at it with Minnesota center Greg Stiemsma, which led to his ejection. Grant Hill (4.7 ppg) will have a heavier workload now that Barnes is out of the game.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul (knee) "may" play on the Clippers' upcoming 13-day, eight-game road trip, coach Vinny Del Negro said. SOURCE: Brad Turner, LA Times
Insight: Fantasy owners can only hope Paul will be ready to return sometime in the next two weeks. For the time being, Eric Bledsoe is only owned in 27 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin had 24 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds with four steals and a .526 shooting percentage Saturday night.
Insight: Griffin was playing with an ankle injury but he was on the court for 38 minutes last night. While Griffin's points and rebounds are both down for a second straight season, he's also shooting a higher percentage from the free-throw line and picking up 0.7 more steals per game than last season so his fantasy prospects are actually on the rise. His decline in points and rebounds also is directly related to a four-minute drop in playing time; his points per 36 minutes are nearly identical to last season.
Description: Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe had 11 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block in a one-point loss to Portland on Saturday night.
Insight: Bledsoe is a 6-foot-1 athletic freak who is getting a chance to start with Chris Paul (knee) sidelined indefinitely. He's averaging 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.0 blocks in six starts this season.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul (knee) will miss Saturday's game versus Portland. Source: Chris Haynes, CSNNW.com
Insight: Paul is still out indefinitely. Eric Bledsoe has been a tremendous fantasy asset in five starts and should be owned in all leagues until Paul returns.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (18.1 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.4 spg) will play through an injured ankle on Saturday.
Insight: Griffin aggravated his ankle injury Thursday against the Suns. He's averaging 20.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks over his last 11 games. Griffin has played more than 36 minutes in each of his last three games so he shouldn't be too limited on Saturday.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (18.1 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.4 spg) is questionable for Saturday's game against Portland with a sore left ankle.
Insight: Griffin's performance on Tuesday was significantly down from his big game against OKC after re-tweaking the ankle he first hurt against Golden State. With Chris Paul out of the lineup, the Clippers may be more inclined to let Griffin try to play through the injury.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul will miss Thursday's game against the Suns.
Insight: The Clippers said earlier in the week that Paul would be out indefinitely so we never really expected him to play on Thursday. One of the league's best kept secrets Eric Bledsoe (8.7 ppg) will get another chance to display his incredible talent Thursday with Paul out of the lineup.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul is doubtful to play Thursday night against Phoenix. Paul has missed four of the Clippers' past six games with a bruised knee cap.
Insight: The Clippers said earlier in the week that Paul would be out indefinitely so we never really expected him to play on Thursday. One of the league's best kept secrets Eric Bledsoe (8.7 ppg) will get another chance to display his incredible talent Thursday with Paul out of the lineup.
Description: Clippers backup point guard Eric Bledsoe could get a few more starts with Chris Paul sidelined indefinitely due to continuing knee problems.
Insight: Bledsoe is averaging 11.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 3.8 apg in four starts this season. He's got huge upside and should be claimed in all fantasy leagues.
Description: Los Angeles guard Chris Paul (knee) missed Tuesday's game against the Thunder and is out indefinitely, according to a Los Angeles Daily News report.
Insight: Coach Vinne Del Negro said there is no timetable for Paul's return. Backup PG Eric Bledsoe is a strong play anytime Paul has to miss a game.
Description: Los Angeles guard Chris Paul (knee) will miss Tuesday's game against the Thunder.
Insight: Paul is still dealing with the knee injury that caused him to miss three games last week. Eric Bledsoe is a strong play anytime Paul has to miss a game.
Description: Los Angeles guard Chris Paul (knee) will be a game-time call Tuesday against the Thunder.
Insight: Paul is still dealing with the knee injury that caused him to miss three games last week. Fantasy owners should hang onto Eric Bledsoe in case Paul has to miss more time.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups (foot) is now involved in some 3-on-3 work and is getting closer to playing, but there is still no timetable, according to coach Vinnie Del Negro.
Insight: The Clippers are extremely deep and will become even more so once Billups and Grant Hill make their returns. Billups will likely start at SG when he is ready, but the team can afford to limit his minutes to keep him healthy.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin filled up the stat sheet Monday by contributing 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in a 106-99 loss to Golden State.
Insight: A rare loss for the Clippers but another great game for Griffin. He was just two assists away from his third career triple-double. The 23-year-old is averaging 18.5 ppg for the month of January.
Description: Los Angeles guard Chris Paul (22 points, 11 assists) sank a late bucket to preserve a 94-87 win over the Wizards Saturday night at Staples Center.
Insight: Paul struggled from the field (just 6-of-16) but as usual, was excellent from the free-throw line (8-of-9). The point guard is now shooting 90.1 percent from the line this season, sixth-best in the NBA.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul is questionable for Saturday's game against Washington with a bruised right knee.
Insight: The Clippers can afford to be conservative with their All-Star guard because they have a quality backup in Eric Bledsoe. Bledsoe in averaging 11.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.7 apg as a starter this season. Not Paul-type numbers (16.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 9.7 apg, 2.6 spg), but certainly a viable option for fantasy owners.
Description: Los Angeles forward Blake Griffin will start for the Western Conference in next month's All-Star Game.
Insight: He received 863,832 votes, third-most among Western Conference frontcourt players. It's the third season in a row Griffin (17.7 ppg, 8.4 rpg) has been invited to the All-Star Game.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul was voted in as a starter for next month's All-Star Game in Houston.
Insight: This will be Paul's sixth straight All-Star appearance. Paul leads the NBA in steals (2.62 spg) and is second in assists (9.7 apg). Right now Paul is dealing with a bruised knee but the All-Star Game isn't for another month so he should be fine by then.
Description: Clippers guard Chris Paul won't be on the floor Thursday against the Timberwolves. He's still out with a bruised right knee cap.
Insight: It wouldn't be a surprise if Paul missed Saturday's game as well. Eric Bledsoe (8.8 ppg) will continue to start at point guard while Paul is out.
Description: The X-rays on Clippers forward Caron Butler's sore right foot showed no damage. SOURCE: LA Times
Insight: Butler offers virtually nothing to fantasy owners besides 9.6 ppg, 1.6 threes and a low turnover average (0.9). He doesn't do anything defensively (2.6 reb, 0.5 stl, 0.2 blk). Reserve small forward Matt Barnes is the more attractive fantasy option.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (knee) is doubtful for Thursday's game against Minnesota. SOURCE: USA Today
Insight: Paul is dealing with a bruised kneecap and has missed the last two games. Eric Bledsoe has averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.5 turnovers in 32.5 minutes as Paul's replacement in the starting lineup.
Description: Clippers reserve small forward Matt Barnes helped out Jamal Crawford (30 pts) with 18 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and three 3-pointers Tuesday versus the Rockets.
Insight: Barnes has surprisingly been a solid fantasy play this season. He came into Tuesday's game averaging 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.5 threes and 1.3 turnovers per game. Barnes has scored in double figures in five straight games and his value has been unaffected by Grant Hill's return.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting Tuesday against the Rockets.
Insight: One rebound and two turnovers were the only other marks Crawford made on the stat sheet (0 reb, stl, blk), though he did hit 5-of-7 from the 3-point line and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line.
Description: Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe started in place of the injured Chris Paul Tuesday for the second straight game and scored 19 points with seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and one trey.
Insight: Paul has missed the last two games with a bruised kneecap. Fantasy owners should hit the free agent wire and grab Bledsoe immediately in case Paul has to miss Thursday's game as well.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (knee) will miss a second straight game Tuesday versus Houston. SOURCE: Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle
Insight: Paul is dealing with a bruised kneecap and might even have to miss Thursday's game against Minnesota. Eric Bledsoe turned in a strong effort in Paul's place on Monday and should be started in all leagues on Tuesday.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul missed Monday's game against Memphis after taking a blow to the knee on Saturday and is expected to miss Tuesday's contest as well.
Insight: For the season he's averaging 16.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 9.7 apg and 2.6 spg. While his scoring is down from last season's average of 19.8 ppg, he's still doing enough to make his the top fantasy point guard in the league. Eric Bledsoe should get the majority of Paul's playing time and is fantasy worthy as a starter.
Description: Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe started in place of the injured Chris Paul Monday against the Grizzlies and scored 14 points with four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
Insight: Surprisingly, Bledsoe didn't turn the ball over (he came in averaging 1.8 turnovers in 18 mpg). Paul (bruised kneecap) is unlikely to play Tuesday either. Bledsoe is a strong buy as a short-term fill-in.
Description: Clippers point guard Chris Paul has been ruled out for Monday's game against Memphis after taking a blow to the knee in Saturday's game with the Magic. There is a good chance he'll miss Tuesday's game as well.
Insight: Paul was coming off back-to-back 16 assist games. For the season he's averaging 16.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 9.7 apg and 2.6 spg. While his scoring is down from last season's average of 19.8 ppg, he's still doing enough to make his the top fantasy point guard in the league. Eric Bledsoe should get the majority of Paul's playing time.
Description: Clippers point guard Chris Paul is probable for Monday's game against Memphis after taking a blow to the knee in Saturday's game with the Magic.
Insight: Paul is coming off back-to-back 16 assist games. For the season he's averaging 16.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 9.7 apg and 2.6 spg. While his scoring is down from last season's average of 19.8 ppg, he's still doing enough to make his the top fantasy point guard in the league.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin netted 30 points with eight rebounds, seven assists, one block and just one turnover Saturday against the Magic. Griffin shot 15-of-22 from the field.
Insight: Griffin is averaging 22.3 points on 60.3 percent shooting, 7.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.8 steals over his last four games following a bleak three-game stretch in which he shot 9-of-27 for 9.6 ppg.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul racked up 19 points and 16 assists Wednesday against the Mavericks.
Insight: Since turning in a lousy performance last week against Denver (10 points, six assists), Paul has been unstoppable. Over his last four games, the five-time All-Star has averaged 24.8 ppg and 11 apg on 35-of-62 shooting (56.4 percent).
Description: Clippers SG/SF Grant Hill is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against Dallas. He's been dealing with a bone bruise in right knee and has yet to play this season.
Insight: Hill will be a game-time decision. Even if he makes it to the floor, Hill figures to be limited in his minutes by coaching decision as well as the talent in front of him on the depth chart. He's not likely to be a factor for fantasy owners this season.
Description: Clippers backup point guard Jamal Crawford (foot) is questionable for Wednesday's game against Dallas.
Insight: Crawford (16.5 ppg) was on the floor for Tuesday's practice, but he'll be a game-time decision. Eric Bledsoe, who scored 17 points in 30 minutes Saturday, would again be the benificiary of additional minutes if Crawford can't play.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (foot) will continue to get therapy and possibly an MRI on his sore foot to "make sure we didn't miss anything." SOURCE: Orange County Register
Insight: Crawford (16.5 ppg) missed Friday's game against the Lakers and doesn't seem likely to play Saturday against Golden State. The foot injury is being blame on Crawford's shoes, which he wore for all 33 games this season even though it is commonplace in the NBA for players to use a new pair of sneakers every game. The Clippers still got 30 points out of their bench on Friday, with Lamar Odom leading the way with nine. Crawford's minutes were spread around, with Matt Barnes being the primary recipient.
Description: Clippers point guard Chris Paul helped his team beat the rival Lakers on Friday with 30 points, 13 assists and two steals in 41 minutes.
Insight: The 30 points were a season high. Paul has scored 20-plus points in two straight games for just the second time all season but he's still a top-three overall fantasy property.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin shook off three terrible games in a row to score 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting with five rebounds and one steal in 29 minutes Friday against the Lakers.
Insight: Griffin only had 29 points combined his last three games while making 9-of-27. He shot 50 percent or better and scored in double figures in 16 straight games -- prior to the three-game cold streak.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups (foot) is still without a timetable but will start working out Saturday. SOURCE: Dan Woike, Orange County Register
Insight: The Clippers are extremely deep and will become even more so once Billups and Grant Hill make their returns. Billups will likely regain his starting job when he comes back but won't play enough minutes to be worth your time in fantasy leagues.
Description: Clippers SF Caron Butler missed Wednesday's game for personal reasons but is expected back in time for Friday's matchup with the crosstown-rival Lakers.
Insight: Butler is averaging 10.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.9 apg, his lowest numbers since 2003-04. Matt Barnes played well in Butler's absence, scoring 19 points, grabbing seven rebounds with three assist against Golden State and may have earned additional minutes which would continue to eat into Butler's fantasy value.
Description: The Clippers will swap small forwards Matt Barnes and Caron Butler for Wednesday's game, with Barnes starting and Butler coming off the bench.
Insight: Barnes has been a much better fantasy play than Butler this season, averaging 10.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.9 blocks and 1.3 threes with a .500 shooting percentage compared to Butler's 10.0, 2.6, 0.9, 0.9, 0.2, 1.6, .423. Barnes' move into the starting lineup will widen the gap between the two players.
Description: Clippers small forward Caron Butler has scored 14 points in each of his last two games.
Insight: Butler hadn't scored in double figures in consecutive games since mid-November. The forward's fantasy value is entirely dependant on his points since he doesn't rebound, assist, block or steal. Unfortunately, he doesn't score much either (9.5 ppg).
Description: Clippers center DeAndre Jordan double-doubled with 16 points and 10 boards Friday against the Jazz. Jordan made 6-of-8 from the field and is now shooting 59.4 percent on the season.
Insight: Jordan also picked up three steals in Friday's game. While the shooting percentage is nice, it's only coming on 6.7 attempts per game so it doesn't carry enough weight to offset his .417 free-throw percentage on 3.2 attempts per game. Even with 1.5 blocks per game, he's probably not worth your time in fantasy leagues.
Description: Clippers point guard Chris Paul's 29 points Friday night against Utah were a season high. Paul added six assists, two rebounds and one steal while making 13-of-14 from the foul line in Los Angeles' 16th consecutive victory.
Insight: Paul failed to make a 3-pointer on five attempts so he could have had an even bigger night. With 16.2 points, 9.4 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 steals and shooting splits of .470/.894, Paul has once again been a top-three fantasy talent.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin scored 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting with 13 rebounds, three assists and one steal Friday to help Los Angeles win its 16th straight game.
Insight: That makes 16 games in a row Griffin has shot 50 percent or better. He's averaging 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.9 turnovers per game while shooting a respectable 66.7 percent from the free-throw line in that span.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers forward Lamar Odom is questionable for Tuesday's game against Denver with a sprained left ankle.
Insight: Odom plays the same position as Blake Griffin so hasn't seen a ton of minutes this season (16 mpg). He's averaging 3.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.2 apg and won't have fantasy value unless he sees a lot more minutes.
Description: Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul registered 24 points, five rebounds and 13 assists Friday as the Clippers extended their winning streak to 12 in a row.
Insight: Paul, who was 5-of-7 from three-point range, also recorded a game-high five steals. He's averaging 16 ppg and 9.3 apg during the win streak.
Description: The Clippers haven't set a timetable for Chauncey Billups' return. Billups has been out since December 3rd while dealing with patellar tendinitis in his left foot.
Insight: Willie Green (5.8 ppg) and Jamal Crawford (16.6 ppg) have been splitting minutes at shooting guard in Billups' absence. Out of the two, Crawford is the better fantasy option.
Description: Clippers small forward Grant Hill is hoping to return to action sometime in mid-January, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Insight: Hill has been on the shelf all year with a knee injury. The Clippers have been cruising without him so Hill probably won't receive a lot of playing time upon his return. We doubt he'll be a factor in fantasy this season.
Description: Clippers guard Chris Paul is only averaging 15.7 ppg this season and 11.3 ppg in his last three games. Paul hasn't scored 20 points in any of his last 10 games but the Clippers have still won 11 in a row.
Insight: Paul is still shooting a strong 47.2 percent from the field this season but has attempted 3.2 fewer field goals per game while playing more than three minutes fewer per game than last season. With 9.3 apg, 2.5 spg, and an .889 free-throw percentage, Paul doesn't need to score 20 ppg to be an elite fantasy player; he ranks as the No. 4 overall player in Yahoo! leagues.
Description: Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe is questionable for Monday's game against Detroit with a bruised left hip.
Insight: Bledsoe is playing well in a limited role. He's getting about 19 minutes per game and averaging 10 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.9 apg and 1.5 spg. He has a ton of talent and athleticism so look for coach Vinny Del Negro to get him more involved.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford's six points Saturday were a season low.
Insight: Crawford (16.6 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.3 apg) has only scored 25 points total over his last three games but he's upped his assist numbers in that stretch with 6.0 per game.
Description: Clippers center DeAndre Jordan had his first double-double since Nov. 23 Saturday against Milwaukee, scoring 15 points with 11 rebounds. However, he failed to block a shot or record a steal for the third straight game.
Insight: Jordan is only averaging 8.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 1.2 bpg in his last 11 games after producing 10.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 2.2 bpg his first 12.
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes led the team with 21 points in 28:32 off the bench Saturday versus Milwaukee. Barnes shot 8-of-10 and had four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
Insight: Barnes has been a consistent bench contributor for the Clippers with Lamar Odom struggling and Grant Hill and Chauncey Billups missing time due to injuries. Barnes is averaging 13 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.2 threes and 1.1 turnovers while shooting a scorching 59 percent from the field in his last nine games.
Description: Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe scored 14 points with six assists, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks Sunday versus Toronto.
Insight: Bledsoe has scored 10 or more points in four of his last five games while shooting 50 percent in that span. He has a ton of talent and athleticism so look for coach Vinny Del Negro to continue to get him involved off the bench.
Description: After failing to reach the 20-point mark in five consecutive games, Crawford has posted three straight games of that variety.
Insight: Crawford scored 21 points on 8-of-19 shooting in 32:31 Saturday against the Suns. He should continue to see plenty of minutes off the bench even when Chauncey Billups (foot) returns to the starting lineup.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin is shooting .597 (46-of-77) from the field in five games since he scored a career-low four points on 1-of-9 shooting on Nov. 26.
Insight: Griffin has averaged 21 points and 9.4 boards per game in that span, including a game-high 24 points Saturday versus Phoenix.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin is averaging 20.3 ppg in four games since scoring a career-low four points on 1-of-9 shooting on Nov. 26.
Insight: Griffin is shooting 60 percent from the field and averaging 9.8 boards per game in that stretch. The Clippers star got off to a slow start, scoring 15.7 ppg on .474 shooting his first six games but he's posted 18.5 ppg and 9.3 rpg on .537 shooting in his last 12.
Description: Los Angeles guard Chauncey Billups (foot) will likely miss two weeks with his latest injury. SOURCE: Orange County Register
Insight: Billups returned to the starting lineup earlier than expected from the ruptured Achilles' tendon he suffered in February but he's dealing with tendinitis in his left foot. The injury isn't related to the Achilles injury.
Description: Los Angeles guard Chauncey Billups will be on the sidelines Wednesday against Dallas. He's dealing with soreness in his left foot.
Insight: After missing the first 14 games of the season with an Achilles issue, Billups finally returned to action last week only to suffer a new injury three games later. He's only averaging 20 minutes a game this season and until that number rises, we can't endorse him for fantasy purposes.
Description: Clippers guard Chauncey Billups had a quiet night Wednesday in his season debut, producing just seven points on 1-of-5 shooting.
Insight: Billups admitted that he's not at full strength yet so it might take a while before we see the veteran return to fantasy relevance. Billups might also want to work on his shot selection. All five of his field goal attempts on Wednesday night were from behind the three-point line.
Description: Clippers guard Chris Paul posted his sixth double-double of the season Wednesday night in a win over the Timberwolves.
Insight: He went off for 23 points and 11 assists. Paul, an 89.2 percent charity stripe shooter this season, converted on all eight of his free throw tries. With the win, Los Angeles was able to snap a four-game losing streak.
Description: Shooting guard Chauncey Billups will start Wednesday night's game against Minnesota. Billlups hasn't played a game since tearing his Achilles in February.
Insight: Willie Green will head back to the bench. Billups had been averaging 15 ppg before he got hurt last season.
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes has returned to the bench his last two games and scored just seven points on 2-of-8 shooting.
Insight: Barnes stepped into the starting lineup for a game with Caron Butler out. Now that Butler is back, neither player is a fantasy option, though Barnes does offer more well-rounded production.
Description: Clippers forward Caron Butler has scored just 10 points combined in his first two games since returning from a shoulder injury.
Insight: Butler has returned to his usual workload but he hasn't been able to knock down shots consistently, hitting on 4-of-15 (.267) from the field. It's best if you leave Butler on the waiver wire.
Description: Clippers forward Blake Griffin scored 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting with 11 rebounds and seven assists in 33:38 Saturday versus Atlanta.
Insight: Griffin's scoring and rebounding are both down for the third straight season, but he has scored 20-plus points in four of his last six games while averaging 10.2 rpg in that span.
Description: Clippers forward Caron Butler is back in the starting lineup Friday against Brooklyn. Butler sat out Wednesday's loss to Oklahoma City because of a strained shoulder.
Insight: Butler has averaged 17.3 ppg in 26 career games against the Nets.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers SF Caron Butler is questionable for Friday's game against Brooklyn with a strained right shoulder.
Insight: The hope is that Butler will be able to play Friday night, but after Barnes' solid game as a replacement the team may not rush him back at less than 100 percent. Butler is averaging just 9.4 ppg this season, his lowest output since 2003-04 (9.2 ppg).
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes is probable for Friday's game against Brooklyn. He's playing through a dislocated pinky finger.
Insight: Barnes said he injured his finger during the preseason, according to the Los Angeles Times. The forward played 43 minutes Wednesday in his first start of the season. He replaced Caron Butler in the starting lineup and posted 19 points, nine rebounds and four steals. As a starter he 's fantasy worthy.
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes is dealing with a dislocated left pinkie but he still started Wednesday and played 43 minutes, scoring 19 points with nine rebounds and four steals.
Insight: Barnes said he injured his finger during the preseason, according to the Los Angeles Times. The forward started his first game of the season Wednesday in place of an injured Caron Butler (shoulder). Barnes has averaged 15.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.6 steals over his last three games and should continue to see plenty of minutes while some of LA's other veterans (Chauncey Billups, Grant Hill, Butler) remain sidelined.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford has scored at least 20 points seven times in 11 games despite coming off the bench in all of them.
Insight: Crawford is playing 28 minutes and averaging 13.4 field goal attempts per game this season. When you throw in his 2.3 3-pointers and 1.1 steals per game and 92.6 free-throw percentage, you get enough to offset his 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists.
Description: Los Angeles small forward Caron Butler won't suit up for Wednesday's game against Oklahoma City. Butler is dealing with a strained shoulder.
Insight: The hope is that Butler will be able to play Friday night against Brooklyn. Butler is averaging just 9.4 ppg this season, his lowest output since 2003-04 (9.2 ppg).
Description: Clippers forward Caron Butler, who left Monday's game against San Antonio with a right shoulder sprain, is questionable for Wednesday's game agaisnt Oklahoma City.
Insight: As we expected, Butler's numbers have been limited by Los Angeles' deep rotation. He's averaging 23 minutes per game along with 9.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 0.9 apg.
Description: Clippers forward Caron Butler left Monday's game against San Antonio with a right shoulder sprain and won't return.
Insight: As we expected, Butler's numbers have been limited by Los Angeles' deep rotation. Coming into Monday, Butler was averaging 10.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, making him a low-level fantasy SF at best.
Description: Clippers forward Blake Griffin stayed on the upswing Saturday by scoring a season-high 26 points against the Bulls.
Insight: Griffin corralled 10 boards as well, giving him double-digit rebounds in four of his last five games. He's starting to heat up and that's a great sign for fantasy owners who thought Griffin might underachieve after a subpar start to the season (just 15 ppg in his first three games).
Description: Los Angeles power forward Blake Griffin contributed 20 points, 14 rebounds and six assists Wednesday night in a 107-100 win over Miami.
Insight: Griffin has been hampered by injuries this season, which has reduced his scoring average to just 16.3 ppg. Look for that average to rise as he gets closer to 100 percent.
Description: Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe scored 12 points on 4-of-10 shooting in 19 minutes off the bench Sunday afternoon against the Hawks.
Insight: Bledsoe has scored in double figures in six of eight games this season. He should continue to get solid minutes off the bench while the team is dealing with some injuries.
Description: Clippers center DeAndre Jordan scored 20 points on 10-of-12 shooting, grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked four shots Wednesday against the Spurs.
Insight: Jordan is shooting (dunking?) a ridiculous 73.5 percent from the field in five games this season. He's also blocked an average of 2.8 shots per game.
Description: Clippers forward Blake Griffin will start Wednesday despite having a burst bursa sac in his right elbow and a neck strain, coach Vinny Del Negro said Tuesday. SOURCE: ESPN.com
Insight: Griffin played through the same elbow injury the past two seasons but the one he has now is the most painful he has dealt with, Del Negro said. Griffin is only shooting 45.1 percent this season, down from 54.9 last year. This could present fantasy owners with a nice buy-low opportunity.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford scored 29 points in just 30 minutes Wednesday in his debut with the team. The veteran went 10-of-14 from the field with three threes, six free-throws, two rebounds and a steal.
Insight: Crawford can score, he's proven that much in his NBA career. Unfortunately, he doesn't provide much else, and his shots are likely to be limited once Chauncey Billups, Grant Hill and Matt Barnes return to the rotation. Plus, stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin only took 10 shots apiece in Wednesday's game, something that won't happen often. Expect a quick decline for Crawford.
Description: Clippers forward Matt Barnes has been suspended for Wednesday's season opener by the NBA after pleading no contest to a police incident.
Insight: Barnes is also dealing with a minor ankle injury. With Chauncey Billups (knee) and Grant Hill (knee) expected to miss significant time at the start of the season and Lamar Odom (foot) doubtful, the Clippers bench will be thin Wednesday. Barnes should benefit from increased minutes once he returns from his suspension.
Description: Los Angeles forward Lamar Odom is questionable for Wednesday night's season opener against Memphis. Odom has been bothered by a bruised foot.
Insight: Odom plays the same position as Blake Griffin so he probably won't see a ton of minutes this season. It probably doesn't help that he supposedly reported to training camp out of shape.
Description: Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said he hopes forward Lamar Odom (knee) can play in the season opener, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Insight: Odom came into camp out of shape and overweight and has been dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee. He has a lot to prove before we recommend him in fantasy.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers forward Grant Hill is going to miss opening night and more after an MRI showed a bone bruise. He said his injury will keep him out at least a couple of weeks.
Insight: Hill started 343 of his 362 games in Phoenix averaging 12.1 ppg over the span. He and Jamal Crawford were expected to cover the SG position until Chauncey Billups returns in November.
Description: Los Angeles guard Chauncey Billups (Achilles) has been practicing, but is still targeting a November return, according to an Orange County Register report.
Insight: There had been rumblings that Billups might be ready for the start of the season but now those rumors can be put to rest.
Description: Clippers forward Lamar Odom is reportedly out of shape and overweight, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Insight: "He's got to work through some conditioning things and some health things right now, which he's doing," Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said. "Yeah, I wish he was in a little bit better conditioning, and he wishes he was. But he's just got to continue to work every day and I'm sure he'll get there eventually." We're not so sure after Odom lost his desire to play once he was traded to Dallas last season. If a move back to Los Angeles isn't going to motivate him, nothing will.
Description: Clippers guard Jamal Crawford played well Thursday in a loss to the Heat. Crawford finished with 16 points and three steals in 31 minutes of action.
Insight: Unfortunately Crawford's sloppy ballhandling also led to five turnovers. Look for the 2010 Sixth Man of the Year to put together another solid campaign in 2012-13.
Description: Clippers forward Blake Griffin showed no ill effects from the knee injury that kept him out of the Olympics Thursday in an exhibition loss versus the Heat. In 32 minutes, Griffin registered a team-high 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting.
Insight: Griffin also tied for the team-lead in rebounds with eight. The Clippers will travel to Germany to take on the Heat again on Sunday.
Description: According to the LA Times, Clippers PG Chris Paul participated in a full-contact practice on Tuesday for the first time since his thumb surgery.
Insight: Paul underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb on Aug. 21 after injuring it during Team USA's training camp in July. The superstar point guard has made a quick recovery and should be fine for the start of the regular season.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin said he dislocated his right index finger during practice Friday and again during the game Saturday, according to a Los Angeles Times report. He also said it shouldn't be a factor.
Insight: Griffin is a great talent (20.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 3.2 apg in 2011-12), but is always getting injured, Sometimes just a small nick, but at other times a major injury. It appears that he's going to be one of those high-risk, high-reward players who you will have to worry about every time he hits the floor.
Description: Los Angeles guard Chauncey Billups is aiming to return to the court sometime around December. Billups missed most of last season with a torn Achilles and is still recovering.
Insight: There had been rumblings that Billups might be ready for the start of the season but now those rumors can be put to rest. Perennial sixth man Jamal Crawford (14 ppg) stands to see an increased role with Billups on the sidelines.
Description: Clippers point guard Chris Paul (thumb) went through basketball drills without a protective brace on his thumb Monday for the first time since his surgery. Paul said he "anticipates" playing at least one preseason game, according to ESPN Los Angeles.
Insight: Paul underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb a month ago after injuring it during Team USA's training camp in July. As recently as Aug. 23 Paul was considered doubtful for the preseason so it's a good sign that he thinks he'll be ready to play in at least one exhibition tune-up.
Description: Free agent forward Matt Barnes has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Insight: Barnes averaged 7.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 63 appearances for the Lakers last season. He'll back up veteran small forward Caron Butler (12 ppg in 2011-12).
Description: Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (knee) declared himself 100 percent healthy, according to the Associated Press.
Insight: Griffin used his downtime "trying to become a more complete player, working on my shot and working on free throws," he said. The power forward tore his meniscus during practice for Team USA in July.
Description: Clippers point guard Chris Paul is doubtful for the preseason after having surgery on his thumb, according to ESPN.com.
Insight: If Paul has any setbacks he could miss the start of the regular season. We'll have to monitor his progress before we endorse selecting him as a top-five pick.
Description: According to ESPN.com, Clippers guard Chauncey Billups (Achilles) isn't expected to return to the court until November.
Insight: Billups has been saying he's working towards being ready for the start of the season. Jamal Crawford and Eric Bledsoe will see their roles expanded with Billups out.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin has been working out with a shooting coach, according to Beckley Mason of ESPN.com.
Insight: Griffin said he is working to change the mechanics of his jump shot and already has seen some improvements. If Griffin can develop a reliable 13- to 17-foot jump shot, it would serve to improve his fantasy value immensely.
Description: Center Ronny Turiaf has signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Insight: Turiaf was a part of Miami's championship squad this past season but his role with the team didn't amount to much statistical significance (3.5 pgg, 4.5 rpg in 15 games for Miami in 2011-12). Turiaf will serve as DeAndre Jordan's backup in Los Angeles next season and probably won't see enough minutes to be a consistent fantasy contributor.
Description: Forward Grant Hill has agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. Hill had spent his previous five seasons as a member of the Phoenix Suns.
Insight: Hill started 342 of his 362 games for Phoenix but we wouldn't expect him to have a starting role with Los Angeles next season. Last year in his 17th NBA season, Hill averaged a career-low 10.2 ppg in 49 games.
Description: Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin has a tear of the meniscus in his left knee and will miss the Olympics, but should be ready for training camp and the 2012-13 regular season.
Insight: Griffin's personal stats took a nosedive from his rookie season as his team's roster improved. He averaged 20.7 ppg and 10.9 rpg last year which will still keep fantasy owners happy. Now if he can just improve his free throw shooting percentage (52.1).
Description: Yahoo's Marc Spears indicated Thursday that Los Angeles power forward Blake Griffin will be ready for Clippers training camp but probably won't play in the Olympics. Griffin injured his knee while practicing with Team USA on Wednesday.
Insight: New Orleans forward/center Anthony Davis, who is actually coming off of an injury himself (sprained ankle), would likely take Griffin's place on Team USA's Olympic roster. Luckily for fantasy hoops enthusiasts, Griffin's knee injury doesn't appear to be very serious.
Description: Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro thinks Chauncey Billups will be the team's starting two-guard next season.
Insight: Jamal Crawford (14 ppg last season with Portland), the other candidate to start at shooting guard for Los Angeles next season, has been coming off the bench for most of his career so this move will probably help Billups' fantasy value more than it will hurt Crawford's. Billups' 2011-12 campaign was cut short by a torn Achilles. He averaged just under 15 ppg in 20 starts prior to the season-ending injury.
Description: Clippers forward Blake Griffin suffered a twisted left knee during a Team USA scrimmage Thursday, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Insight: The severity of Griffin's injury is unclear, but Yahoo! is reporting that Hornets rookie center Anthony Davis has been summoned to report to USA training camp in Las Vegas "immediately," so it's likely that Griffin will miss the Olympics.
Description: Clippers power forward Blake Griffin is set to sign a five-year extension when the July 11 signing period begins.
Insight: Griffin's statistics took a hit when the team added Chris Paul and Caron Butler to the starting lineup and DeAndre Jordan developed into a reliable center. His scoring fell from 22.5 ppg to 20.7 ppg, rebounding from 12.1 rpg to 10.9 rpg and assists from 3.8 apg to 3.2 apg. It will be interesting to see if he can improve on last year's numbers in 2012-13. On the other hand the Clippers went from a losing 32-50 record to 40-26.
Description: According to the Los Angeles Times, the Clippers have re-signed guard Chauncey Billups to a one-year deal.
Insight: Billups averaged 14.9 points in 20 games with Los Angeles last season before tearing his Achilles in February. He will likely assume the starting two-guard spot with the Clippers when he's healthy enough to play, with new teammate Jamal Crawford coming off the bench.
Description: According to the Los Angeles Times, guard Jamal Crawford will sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Insight: Crawford averaged 13.9 ppg in his only season in Portland. The guard will likely fill the same role Mo Williams occupied last season -- sixth man, spot starter -- for the Clippers since Chauncey Billups has also re-signed with the team.
Description: Point guard Chris Paul turned down the Clippers' offer for a three-year $60 million contract extension.
Insight: This is a strategic financial move by Paul. He still has one year remaining on his contract and he'll be able to make more money if he signs with Los Angeles next offseason when the Clippers have more cap room. Paul poured in 19.8 ppg during his first season in Los Angeles and looks poised to be Team USA's starting point guard when they compete in this year's London Olympics.
Description: Dallas has dealt forward Lamar Odom to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a four-team trade. Odom spent one season in Dallas, where he averaged 6.6 ppg.
Insight: The forward now moves back to the team that drafted him fourth overall in 1999, and the city where he thrived for seven seasons prior to 2011-12. Odom in Dallas was never a good fit, as the 6-foot-10 New York native has made it clear that he needs to live by a beach. Now that he's back in Los Angeles, he should be able to recapture some of his past success.
Description: The Clippers appear to be close to dealing guard Mo Williams to the Jazz as part of a three-team deal that would send Mavericks forward Lamar Odom to Los Angeles.
Insight: Williams (13.2 ppg) had a productive year for the Clippers last season despite being behind Chris Paul on the team's depth chart. Williams could face a similar situation if he's shipped to the Jazz. Devin Harris averaged 11.3 ppg and 5 apg as Utah's starting point guard in 2011-12.
Description: Clippers point guard Chris Paul says he has fully recovered from the groin injury that hobbled him during the playoffs last month.
Insight: This is good news not just for Paul's fantasy owners but also for the United States' Olympic team. With Derrick Rose sidelined with a torn ACL, Chris Paul (19.8 ppg, 9.1 apg) should be the starting point guard for Team USA at this year's summer games in London.
