Reports: Clippers G Chris Paul broke nose, will wear face mask

Chris Paul is wearing a mask after suffering a nasal fracture. (Clippers broadcast)

Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant aren't playing in the same uniform this season, but the two All-Star guards now share an injury and a facial accessory.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Paul suffered a broken nose when his Los Angeles Clippers defeated the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.

Paul was hit in the face during the first quarter of Friday's game against San Antonio.

A Clippers spokesman said that Paul received an X-ray on Saturday and it revealed that Paul had sustained a nasal fracture. He added that Paul will be wearing the mask for a few weeks.

Paul apparently sustained the injury in the first half when he was elbowed by Spurs swingman Danny Green.

ESPNLA.com also reports that Paul broke his nose and will begin wearing a protective mask immediately.

Bryant, of course, suffered a broken nose courtesy of a Dwyane Wade hard foul during the 2012 All-Star Game in Orlando. Bryant has been wearing a clear mask, and briefly wore a black mask, since the injury.

Paul finished with 36 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals in 38 minutes for the Clippers against the Spurs. He will start on Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center.

Paul, 26, is averaging 20.2 points, 8.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 steals in 36.4 minutes per game for the Clippers this season.