LA Clippers' Chris Paul Breaks Finger During Practice in China, Austin Rivers Knocks Out Teeth

LA Clippers All-Star point guard, Chris Paul, suffered a fractured left index finger in Saturday's practice in China. Paul is expected to miss Sunday's preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets. Teammate Austin Rivers, who happens to be head coach Doc Rivers' son, is sidelined as well after getting five of his bottom teeth knocked out on Friday in practice.

However, Paul's injury is not expected to keep him off the court for too long, Paul's finger will be re-evaluated prior to Wednesday's rematch with the Hornets in Shanghai.

As per Dan Wike of the Orange County Register, as reported by NBC Sports:

"Chris Paul fractured his left index finger during a Clippers' scrimmage Saturday in China, though the injury doesn't appear to be as serious as it sounds.

"While Paul missed the Clippers game against Charlotte in Shenzhen, China, he's not expected to miss significant time, according to a team official. In fact, if the Clippers' game with Charlotte had been a regular season game, Paul possibly would've played.

"The injury occurred with Paul driving to the basket, eventually getting hit on the hand.

"Paul hasn't been ruled out of the Clippers' game with the Hornets Wednesday in Shanghai."

Meanwhile, in regards to Rivers' injury, Rivers is listed "day-to-day" as he was hit in the mouth by rookie, Branden Dawson's elbow in practice on Friday, as reported by LA Times. Rivers was immediately taken into surgery after five of his teeth were knocked out.

"It just hit me right in the mouth," Rivers said, as per Clipperholics. "They brought me into surgery, just numbed my whole face, it took like two and a half hours."

Rivers is expected to return to practice after removing the device placed in his mouth some time next week. Apparently, this injury is Rivers' second injury prior to the start of the upcoming season.

Before the preseason opener, Rivers suffered a lower leg injury, but managed to play against the Denver Nuggets as he scored 10 points and 4 steals.

Hopefully Paul and Rivers will return to full health before the start of the season on October 28^th where the Clippers play the Sacramento Kings in Sleep Train Arena.