Chris Paul Won't Stay Healthy as Clippers Push Toward Postseason

Los Angeles Clippers All-Star point guard Chris Paul has meant the world to the Clippers and their attempt to hold off the Lakers and win the Pacific Division crown.

One thing we've seen a lot out of Paul throughout his first six NBA seasons is that his body has betrayed him, playing in under 64 games a season twice in those six years.

You have to hold your breath every time Paul takes a hit, and if he suffers an injury that forces him to miss time, the Clippers' push for a championship could be all for naught.

Already without Chauncey Billups, the Clippers can't afford to be without their entire starting backcourt.

Paul's already missed some time this year with a strained hamstring and now after suffering a nasal fracture, he's wearing a Kobe Bryant-like mask for protection.

It's almost as if the Clippers' start to the 2012 season has been too good to be true and something is due to happen to completely wreck their season.

That one thing would be an injury to Paul.

For a guy who's been injury prone in the past, this shortened season can't be a good thing.

His body has to be wearing down on him with all of the back-to-backs and the amount of games crammed into each week.

So far it hasn't been an issue, with Paul putting together an MVP-type performance, averaging 20.3 points and 8.3 assists per night.

If that keeps up, the Clippers have a shot to win the Pacific Division, and if they make a move to acquire some shooting, they have a chance to compete for the Western Conference title.

All that means nothing, though, if Paul can't stay healthy.

He's driving the Clippers' bus and without him, it just may spin out of control.