ROTATION: Starters -- Point guard Chris Paul, Guard Rasual Butler, Small forward Peja Stojakovic, Power forward David West, Center Hilton Armstrong. Bench -- Forward Sean Marks, Forward Julian Wright, Point guard Antonio Daniels, Guard/Forward Devin Brown, Guard Morris Peterson, Forward Ryan Bowen, Forward/Center Melvin Ely, Forward James Posey, Center Tyson Chandler.
PLAYER NOTES: --Point guard Chris Paul had game-highs of 29 points and 16 assists and added seven rebounds.
--Forward David West overcame foul trouble to score 28 points (shooting 13-for-20) and grab 12 rebounds.
--Forward Peja Stojakovic had 18 points, seven rebounds, and, for the second consecutive game, four steals.
--Foul trouble for Hilton Armstrong and Sean Marks' inability to contend with Shaquille O'Neal allowed seldom-used Melvin Ely to play 19 minutes. He had six points and four rebounds.
--Shooting guard Rasual Butler made just 4 of 11 shots and scored 10 points.
MEDICAL WATCH:
C Tyson Chandler has missed the last 12 games because of a sore left ankle and is expected to miss at least three more.
F James Posey has missed the last six games because of a sprained left elbow and could return Friday at the Mavericks.
