Chris Paul to play Game 3 vs. Rockets with minutes restriction

Clippers PG Chris Paul will start Game 3 vs. the Houston Rockets and will have a minutes restriction.

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul will start Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals vs. the Houston Rockets and will have a minutes restriction, coach Doc Rivers said Friday.

Paul sat out Games 1 and 2 of the series due to an injured hamstring. He strained his hamstring during Saturday's first round Game 7 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

Austin Rivers started both games in Paul's absence and scored a combined 27 points.

Paul averaged 19.2 points and 10.1 assists this season. He has averaged 22.7 points, 7.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds in seven postseason games this year. 

Clippers-Rockets Game 3 tips off at 10:30 p.m. ET at Staples Center on Friday.

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- Molly Geary