Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul went through basketball drills without a protective brace around his right thumb for the first time Monday, and said he anticipates playing in at least one preseason game and being ready for the Clippers' season opener Oct. 30 versus the Memphis Grizzlies. "Today was the first day they actually allowed me to shoot layups, so today was the best day ever," Paul told ESPNLosAngeles.com. "I hope I get a preseason game in before the season. I probably have to start off the season wearing a brace, but I get to wear the brace less and less. I wear it when I go to sleep, but I'm on track. I go to rehab every single morning at 6:30 a.m." Paul underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb last month after injuring it during Team USA's training camp in Las Vegas back in July. Read more: http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/...-paul-thumb-anticipates-playing-season-opener