Rivers on Chris Paul: 'He's very close,' but won't play Friday

Chris Paul is getting very close to a return, which is fantastic news for the Los Angeles Clippers and NBA fans in general.

However, an earlier report that Paul may return on Friday against the Toronto Raptors appears to have been a little too optimistic. Speaking Wednesday, head coach Doc Rivers said that Paul is "very close," but that he wouldn't play by Friday.

That means a Sunday home date against the Philadelphia 76ers could be his first game back. Almost certainly, the Clippers will look to get Paul into action by Tuesday, the team's final game before the All-Star break.

Paul has been sidelined since Jan. 3 with a separated right shoulder. The team has thrived in his absence, thanks in part to an easy schedule, but they'll need Paul down the stretch in a major way. The Point God was averaging 19.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 2.4 steals before his injury.