Matt Barnes says Chris Paul will play

Matt Barnes says injured Los Angeles Clippers teammate Chris Paul will play Game 3 against the Houston Rockets.

Paul missed the first two games of the Western Conference semifinals with a strained left hamstring. The best-of-7 series is tied 1-1 going into Friday night's game at Staples Center.

''He said he's playing tonight,'' Barnes said. ''You hope he's ready. His game is such stop-and-go and such an integral part of our team. I hope he can stay healthy throughout the game. We'll see what he has in store for us.''