Clippers point guard Davis might play in season opener

LOS ANGELES -- Baron Davis learned Monday his injured finger does not need surgery, and the Clippers guard might be ready to play in the season opener.

Davis has a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his left ring finger, but is expected to resume basketball activities in a week. The Clippers open their season against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 29.

The 29-year-old Davis, who signed a five-year, $65 million contract in July, was originally diagnosed with a sprained left ring finger after falling on his hand during practice last Friday. X-rays were negative and an MRI was inconclusive. That led to a follow up examination Monday by Dr. Roy Meals, a hand specialist with the UCLA Medical Group.

The exam revealed the partial tear, and Meals concluded that the injury does not require surgery and is expected to heal on its own. In the meantime, Davis will wear a splint. He has missed the Clippers' last four preseason games - the first two because of the flu, the last two after injuring his finger.

Also, Marcus Camby, acquired from Denver during the offseason, has been sidelined with a bruised right heel and isn't expected to play in the Clippers' final three exhibition games. It's hoped he'll be able to go in the opener. Holdovers Chris Kaman (right ankle) and Tim Thomas (strained groin) have also missed playing time.