Rowan Kavner
LOS ANGELES – Tonight will be center DeAndre Jordan’s turn to get rest.
Head coach Doc Rivers said forward Blake Griffin and guard Chris Paul will be back in the lineup after resting Monday in the first game of a back-to-back, while Jordan will rest tonight against the Suns in the second game of the preseason back-to-back.
“Back-to-backs, you know, it’s funny. I was trying to watch it last night so maybe I could play him tonight. I think he didn’t play more than 18 or 20, so maybe he’ll play tonight. But right now I know I’m not playing DJ. I told him that five days ago.”
In addition, Rivers said Matt Barnes will be the starter at small forward tonight and for the foreseeable future. Rivers, who’s been asked about it every game, said Barnes will start at small forward in the regular season opener. He added afterward, ‘I just said that just so you won’t ask anymore.”
Rivers said there’s a concern right now with Barnes’ shot, but the concern is greater for the player than the coach. Rivers likes what Barnes can bring defensively, but the forward is in a 3-for-31 rut to start the preseason. Rivers said hearing about it consistently can wear on a player.
“I’m sure, and everyone else is, you’re human,” Rivers said. “That has to affect you. There’s no doubt, it’d be nice to see the ball go in.”
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