NBA expected to conclude probe into Clippers-Rockets incident

LOS ANGELES — The NBA is expected to complete its investigation Wednesday into the incident involving the Clippers and Rockets in which several Houston players entered the Clippers' locker-room area following Monday night's game at Staples Center, according to several NBA officials who were not authorized to speak publicly on the ongoing matter.

The league still was interviewing all the subjects that took part, members of the two teams and security.

Rockets forward Trevor Ariza has been considered the "instigator" and could face the harshest punishment when the league makes it decision on whether to fine or suspend players, according to the officials.

The officials said Ariza led teammates James Harden and Gerald Green down a hallway that connects both teams' locker rooms. All three of them got into the Clippers' training room before they were stopped by security from entering the locker-room area where the Clippers were sitting, according to the officials.

Former Clippers guard Chris Paul had followed his three Rockets teammates down the hallway, but he was on the "edge" of the locker room, according to one official.

Clippers guard Patrick Beverley, who played for the Rockets last season and was in the trade for Paul, and center DeAndre Jordan both stepped in and tried to defuse the situation. Beverley (season-ending right knee surgery) and Jordan (left ankle injury) didn't play in the game.