Chris Paul sat out Wednesday's loss at New York, but he expects to be ready for the start of the playoffs this weekend.

The Clippers will play the Grizzlies in the first round.

"Yeah, I'll be OK," Paul said of his strained left groin.

Paul also said that there is "no question" he will play.

Vinny Del Negro preferred helping Paul heal rather than seek homecourt advantage against Memphis.

"The most important thing is to be smart about it, look at the big picture," Del Negro said. "Chris needs to be healthy, whether we're home or away, so that he can play at a high level for us. If he had played tonight and irritated it or there was some swelling or maybe it got worse and then we play Saturday or Sunday and it's a quick turnaround, I didn't think it was worth the risk."