CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Chris Paul plans to play against the Heat in Miami on Thursday, despite Houston's precedent for resting him on back-to-backs.
He started Wednesday against the Hornets and would not pass up the chance to tango one last time with Heat guard Dwayne Wade.
"I don't think I could keep him out if I wanted to — other than to cause some physical harm," coach Mike D'Antoni said.
The Rockets obliged the special matchup. They still want to preserve Paul for the final 20 games of the season and, more importantly, the playoffs, as much as they can.