Rockets PG Paul improving, questionable Friday

Chris Paul practiced Thursday and was upgraded to questionable for the Rockets game against the Toronto Raptors on Friday in Houston. Paul has been sidelined for five weeks with a hamstring injury since leaving Houston's Dec. 20 game.

Head coach Mike D'Antoni is putting the decision primarily in the hands of Paul. "If it's not Friday (against the Raptors), it's Sunday (against the Magic)," D'Antoni said. "If it's not Sunday, it's Monday (against the Pelicans). But it's close."

The injury is to Paul's left hamstring, the opposite leg that caused him to miss Game 6 and Game 7 of the Western Conference finals last postseason. The nine-time All-Star was averaging 15.6 points, eight assists and four rebounds per game in 26 contests this season. Paul and Brandon Knight are both listed as questionable. Center Clint Capela is out with a thumb injury.

--Field Level Media