"An MRI exam Tuesday revealed that Clippers guard Chauncey Billups has a torn left Achilles' tendon. Billups, who was injured in Monday's overtime victory over the Magic in Orlando, Fla., will be out at least eight months, ending his season.

Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro revealed Billups' status to Times columnist T.J. Simers during a lunch interview. Del Negro had gotten the news from Clippers trainer Jasen Powell by phone.

Billups, 35, was a key figure in the Clippers' rise to second place in the NBA's Western Conference this season. He teamed with point guard Chris Paul to form an extremely talented backcourt for the Clippers, who are enjoying one of their most successful starts in franchise history."