Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin is expected to return Tuesday, when the Clippers visit the Philadelphia 76ers, but two other top-notch players are expected to miss the game.
Clippers point guard Chris Paul is out until March after tearing ligaments in his left thumb last week.
The Sixers are also expected to be without rookie center Joel Embiid. He injured his left knee in last Friday's victory over Portland, an injury that has alternately been described by the team as a contusion and a hyperextension.
Griffin, averaging 21.