Paul, Griffin injuries could be significant

It wasn't the worst-case scenario, but it's pretty close.

Wednesday night in Memphis, the Los Angeles Clippers failed to close out the Memphis Grizzlies, losing by 12. But more importantly, the Clippers might be without their best two players.

Blake Griffin sprained his left knee, and Chris Paul strained his right hip flexor in the second half of the Clippers' loss.

"The pain scares you," Griffin said. "But it's not because it hurts; it's because you don't know why."

Griffin, who missed his entire rookie season with a fractured left patella, will have an MRI on his knee Thursday.

Paul, on the other hand, seemed optimistic he'd be able to play Friday.

"I'll be ready," he said before adding that he and Griffin are "tough guys."