Ailing Chris Paul sidelined in Christmas night loss to Thunder

Houston Rocketsguard Chris Paul was ruled out of the team's Christmas night loss to the Thunder in Oklahoma City because of a left adductor strain.

"He practiced a little bit yesterday, but he still felt it a little bit," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said Monday. "He's days [away]. We've got a couple of days after this."

The Thunder handed the Rockets their third straight loss, 117-102.

D'Antoni said he hopes that Paul, who went through a fairly strenuous pregame workout, can play against the Boston Celtics or Washington Wizardson the Rockets' upcoming road trip.

"He won't play in the back-to-back," D'Antoni said. "Maybe one of the two games, whichever they decide to do. Hopefully. That's not a sure thing."

Monday night's tilt is the second consecutive game missed for Paul, who exited the Rockets' loss Wednesday to the Los Angeles Lakers early in the fourth quarter after suffering the injury.

Before Wednesday's game, the Rockets were 15-0 this season when Paul played.

Houston have now lost three games after a 14-game winning streak that started when Paul returned after a monthlong absence because of a left knee bruise.

Houston center Clint Capela, who has missed three of the past four games because of a left heel bruise, played against the Thunder.