Chris Paul has thumb surgery, out 6-8 weeks

Clippers point guard Chris Paul will need surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, likely forcing him out for the next 6 to 8 weeks.

Paul, who will undergo surgery Wednesday, left Monday’s game against the Thunder with a sprained left thumb and didn’t return.

The procedure will be performed by Dr. Steve Shin, and Paul will continue to undergo treatment and evaluation by the Clippers’ medical staff.

Paul was averaging 17.8 points, 12.3 assists and six rebounds per game in January and had eight points, six assists and three rebounds in 13 minutes before the injury.