The Los Angeles Clippers' hopes of challenging for the NBA title have been dealt a massive blow, with Chris Paul to undergo thumb surgery that is expected to sideline the All-Star guard for six to eight weeks.
Paul suffered a torn ligament in his left thumb in a play involving Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook on Monday night, when the Clippers won their seventh straight game.
The Clippers (29-14) have been hit hard by injuries this season and are awaiting the return of All Star forward Blake Griffin, who has missed the past 15 games with a knee injury.
Paul also missed seven contests earlier this season due to a hamstring problem and the latest setback comes as the Clippers appear to be rounding into peak form and have won seven straight.
Nine-times All Star Paul is averaging 17.5 points, 9.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds this season and leads the NBA with 2.25 steals per game.
