Jazz Acquires Knight From Clippers

SALT LAKE CITY (Ticker) -- The Utah Jazz acquired point guard Brevin Knight from the Los Angeles Clippers for guard Jason Hart on Wednesday. Knight, who was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 16th pick in 1997, has averaged 7.9 points and 6.6 assists during his 11-year career. The 32-year old Stanford product ranks second in the NBA with a 4.62 assist-to-turnover ratio. The 11-year veteran will back up Deron Williams in Utah. Hart, who spent 23 games with the Clippers two seasons ago, returns to Los Angeles after appearing in 57 games for the Jazz last season. He averaged 9.0 points and 4.0 assists for the Clippers in 2006-07. "We are glad to have Jason back with us," Clippers vice president of basketball pperations Elgin Baylor said. "He played an important role for us when he was here previously, and we think he will be a valuable component this time as well." In Los Angeles, Hart will back up Baron Davis.

Clippers Acquire Camby

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday acquired forward Marcus Camby from the Denver Nuggets. In exchange, the Nuggets will have the option of swapping second-round picks in 2010. As a result of the deal, Denver receives a $10 million trade exception, which can be used until one year from the completion of the trade.

"Marcus has been an exceptional representative of the Nuggets both on the court and in the Denver community during his time here, and we are greatly appreciative of all he has done," Denver vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said. "This trade exception, along with the future first-round draft choice we received from Charlotte last month, gives us a number of options and a tremendous amount of flexibility."

Camby is considered one of the top defensive players in the league, becoming just the second player in NBA history to lead the league in blocked shots three consecutive seasons. A former Defensive Player of the Year, Camby led the NBA with 3.61 blocks per game last season. "I love this acquisition for the current makeup of our team," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "We are getting a consummate pro who is maybe the best team defender in the league and who has 60 playoff games under his belt."

Camby set a slew of personal bests last season, averaging career highs of 13.1 rebounds and 34.9 minutes in 79 games - also a career high. Camby also averaged 9.1 points and had a league-best 18.0 rebounds per contest. "I think this is a very good addition for us, especially since we're getting a player who can really help us without having to give up a player in return," Clippers vice president of basketball operations Elgin Baylor said. "Marcus can play multiple positions and is one of the better rebounders and shot-blockers in the league. "With him playing alongside (Chris) Kaman, I think we will have a pair of excellent interior defenders, and that will make us a formidable team."

The addition likely was in response to losing long-time power forward Elton Brand to the Philadelphia 76ers via free agency a week ago. Drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the second overall selection in 1996, Camby spent the past six seasons in Denver after four campaigns with the New York Knicks. Camby has appeared in 60 playoff games in his career, averaging 8.6 points and 8.8 rebounds.

Clippers Brand and Maggette Opt Out

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Los Angeles Clippers forwards Elton Brand and Corey Maggette opted out of their contracts, the team announced Monday night. Brand had a $16.4 million player option and Maggette's was for $8.4 million for next season, which both passed on just prior to Tuesday's free agent deadline. The duo cannot officially sign with another team or re-sign with the Clippers until July 9, when the league's moratorium ends.

"We have been notified by Elton Brand and Corey Maggette of each player's decision to opt out of his respective contract," Los Angeles president Andy Roeser said. "On Monday night, when NBA rules permit, we will be aggressive in contacting them to address our interest in having them remain with the Clippers. "We will also be active in contacting other free agents in whom we have interest."

The Clippers are coming off two straight losing seasons - including an injury-riddled 23-59 finish last campaign - after their first playoff appearance in nine years in 2005-06. Maggette was one of the team's lone bright spots last season, scoring a career-high 22.1 points per game. Brand, on the other hand, played just eight games after suffering an Achilles injury in a preseason workout.

Clippers Claim Eric Gordon

NEW YORK (Ticker) - The Los Angeles Clippers need a point guard - they hope Eric Gordon can fill that role. With the injured Shaun Livingston's future up in the air, the Clippers grabbed Indiana guard Gordon with the No. 7 pick in the NBA draft Thursday at Madison Square Garden.

Livingston, who was supposed to be a star floor general for Los Angeles, missed parts of two seasons after a gruesome knee injury. Gordon now may have to learn to run the club. However, his strength lies with his lethal jumpshot, which he unveiled in his lone collegiate season with the Hoosiers.

Gordon has as much range as anybody in the draft and can score from the perimeter at will. But there are questions about his body type and his ability to take the ball to the basket. His up-and-down freshman season also was not encouraging. As impressive as he was during the first part of the college season, his most distinguishing trait in 2007-08 may have been how well he handled himself on two trying occasions. Gordon battled through the hassle he received for backing out of his commitment to his hometown team (Illinois). He also had to deal with recruiting turmoil that surrounded the Indiana basketball program this season off the court. The latter of which may explain his statistical decline across the board during the second half of the season.

SoCal NBA Preview

LA Clippers (23-58) at Houston (54-27), 5:30 pm

HOUSTON (Ticker) - The Houston Rockets will be without their floor general as they attempt to improve their playoff position. Minus Rafer Alston, the Rockets host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday in the season finale for both teams.

The Rockets are looking to bounce back from a damaging 105-96 loss to Utah on Monday, when they were held to a season-low 28 field goals. Houston is tied with Phoenix (54-27) and Utah (54-27) for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. But Monday's loss means that the Rockets need to win and hope Utah loses to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday in order to gain home court for the opening round of the playoffs.

However, winning will be a little more difficult to do without Alston, who will miss at least a week with a strained right hamstring. The ninth-year point guard is averaging 13.1 points and 5.3 assists, and was a key reason the Rockets ripped off a 22-game winning streak earlier in the season.

Los Angeles has lost six straight, including a 114-92 setback against New Orleans on Tuesday.

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LA Clippers (23-52) at Sacramento (34-40) , 7:00 pm

SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) - Elton Brand looks to give a repeat performance when the Los Angeles Clippers pay a visit to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

Brand finally made his return to the court after rupturing his left Achilles' tendon during an offseason workout on August 3 which sidelined him for the entire campaign. Al Thornton had 21 points and 10 rebounds Brand scored 19 in his long awaited season debut as the Clippers posted a 102-84 win over the Seattle SuperSonics on Wednesday. "He felt good and the trainer OK'd it, so we did and in that second half he started finding his rhythm," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "He was rusty to start but he found his rhythm and started making shots and plays. It's just nice to have." Thornton had 27 points and Dan Dickau added 20 off the bench for Los Angeles in a 116-109 double-overtime win over Sacramento on March 5.

Sacramento has won three of its last four outings, including a 99-98 decision here against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday. Ron Artest scored 30 points and Kevin Martin added 27 for the Kings, who own a 23-13 mark at home.

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LA Clippers (22-52) at Seattle (17-57), 7:00 pm
SEATTLE (Ticker) - Seattle SuperSonics forward Kevin Durant has been the heavy favorite all season for Rookie of the Year. However, the Los Angeles Clippers' Al Thornton has been making a name for himself recently. Durant and the SuperSonics hope to snap a three-game losing streak when they take on the Clippers on Wednesday. Seattle dropped a 120-107 decision to Sacramento on Sunday for its 14th loss in its last 15 games. Durant scored 25 points - the 39th time the rookie out of Texas has tallied 20-plus points this season. The 19-year-old is also averaging 20.0 points in the two games the Clippers and Sonics split earlier this season. Overall, Durant is averaging 19.9 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 42.5 percent from the field. Los Angeles, which has lost 11 of 12, suffered a 93-86 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. Corey Maggette scored 23 points and Thornton had a team-high 26 along with seven rebounds. It was the third time in four games the 6-8, 220-pound Thornton has scored over 20 points - including a 39-point effort against the Memphis Grizzlies last Saturday. Thornton played less than 15 minutes in the two previous games against Seattle, averaging just five points.


Portland (38-36) at LA Lakers (50-24), 7:30 pm, FSN
LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - The Portland Trail Blazers have stated their goal this season is to reach the .500 mark - a level the Los Angeles Lakers will have to play above if they hope to secure the top spot in the Western Conference. With center Pau Gasol expected to play for the first time in 10 games, the Lakers go for their second straight win when they meet the Blazers on Tuesday. The Lakers, 5-4 in nine games without Gasol (ankle), are 1 1/2 games behind New Orleans (51-22) and San Antonio (52-23) in the Western Conference race. On Sunday, they snapped a two-game losing streak, outlasting the Washington Wizards in overtime, 126-120. Kobe Bryant scored 26 points and dished a season-high 13 assists for the Lakers, who also snapped a three-game home losing streak. Meanwhile, with Portland all but mathematically eliminated from the postseason, the Blazers want nothing more than to reach 41 wins - a number that would guarantee a nine-game improvement the 32-50 mark from a season ago. The Blazers are in 10th place in the West, 7 1/2 games behind eighth-place Denver (46-29). Portland continues to be without standout Brandon Roy, who suffered a groin injury last week. The All-Star guard is expected to miss at least two more games and could be shut down for the season once the team is eliminated from playoff contention.

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Dallas (45-28) at LA Clippers (22-51), 7:30 pm

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Considering their recent woes against teams with winning records, the Dallas Mavericks have to be pleased to get a reprieve on Monday. The Mavericks eye just their second win in nearly two weeks when they travel to the Staples Center to meet the Los Angeles Clippers.

Dallas finds itself in a three-way tie with Denver (45-28) and Golden State (45-28) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. On Sunday, the Mavericks started quickly before fading in a 114-104 loss at Golden State. With reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki missing his third straight game due to a knee and ankle sprains, Josh Howard scored 36 points in a losing cause. The loss to the Warriors continued a predictable trend in which Dallas has lost to every opponent that owns a winning mark since February 13, when it defeated Portland (38-36). That win occurred six days before the Mavericks acquired Jason Kidd. Since the arrival of the nine-time All-Star guard, Dallas is 10-0 against teams under .500 but 0-10 against teams above that mark. With the Mavericks playing mostly winning teams of late, they have dropped five of their last six contests, with their lone victory during that time coming against the Clippers on Tuesday.

While Dallas is sliding, Los Angeles snapped a season-high 10-game skid, getting a career-high 39 points from rookie forward Al Thornton in a 110-97 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. At 12.3 points per game, Thornton - the 14th overall pick in the 2007 draft - is the second-leading scorer among rookies, trailing only Seattle's Kevin Durant (19.9).

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Memphis (19-53) at LA Clippers (21-51), 7:30 pm

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - Rudy Gay and the Memphis Grizzlies will try to make it a clean sweep in "Tinseltown."

After defeating the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, the Grizzlies aim to send the reeling Los Angeles Clippers to their 10th straight setback Saturday. Gay poured in 28 points and Darko Milicic had 20 and 12 rebounds as the Grizzlies captured their third win in five tries with a stunning 114-111 victory over the Lakers. "Road win, playoff team, Kobe (Bryant) going off ticking off reasons why it was a big win," Gay said. "We played so well together. We just don't want to lose. We're not trying to give up on anything." Memphis also enters with revenge on its mind after suffering a 14-point loss to the Clippers at home on February 20.

The Clippers continued their late-season slump on Friday with a 121-101 loss to the Utah Jazz, despite Corey Maggette's 28 points. Chris Kaman is averaging 16.0 points 6.0 rebounds in two games since returning from a nagging back injury that sidelined him for 10 games.

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LA Clippers (21-49) at San Antonio (48-23), 5:30 pm

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- With the postseason approaching, the San Antonio Spurs look to get their ready for another long run. The defending NBA champion Spurs shoot for their fifth consecutive win Wednesday when they host the reeling Los Angeles Clippers.

Manu Ginobili poured in 28 points and veteran Michael Finley added 24 for San Antonio in Tuesday's 107-97 road victory over the Orlando Magic. The win helped the Spurs close within one game of New Orleans (48-21) for first place in both the Western Conference and the Southwest Division. While the Spurs are preparing for another playoff run, the Clippers are just hoping to have enough players in uniform to take the court. With several injuries to key players, Los Angeles suffered its eighth straight loss with Tuesday's 103-90 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks.

Corey Maggette led the way with 21 points. "We did a good job as long as we could," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "I thought we played hard. We didn't give up. We didn't bow out." The Clippers played without center Chris Kaman (back), swingman Quinton Ross (foot) and reserve forward Aaron Williams (abdominal strain). Los Angeles also has played the entire season without star forward Elton Brand (Achilles) and point guard Shaun Livingston (knee).

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Portland (36-33) at LA Clippers (21-47), 7:30 pm

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy are hoping to repeat their performance against the injury-riddled Los Angeles Clippers. Aldridge, Roy and the Portland Trail Blazers look to sweep their home-and-home series with the Clippers when the teams meet Saturday in Los Angeles.

In the opener, Aldridge collected 22 points and 12 rebounds and Roy scored 21 for Portland in Friday's 107-102 victory at the Rose Garden. The Trail Blazers improved to 11-3 when the young duo of Aldridge and Roy both reach the 20-point plateau. "We're getting better at that," Roy said. "I think early in the year we were trying to find our rhythm. (Aldridge) would play good, but I would play bad. We were switching up. "I think now we are starting to get on the same page and we are starting to play a little more inside-out, and I think that's helping us."

With a host of players already sidelined due to various injuries, the Clippers might be without leading scorer Corey Maggette, who sat with a sore shoulder. "That's the way it's been all year," Clippers guard Cuttino Mobley said. "I'm playing injured, Corey's out. We've go a lot of guys playing injured and not enough experience." Mobley had 24 points off the bench and Josh Powell scored a career-best 21 in Friday's loss for the Clippers, who have dropped six games overall.

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LA Clippers (21-46) at Portland (35-33), 7:00 pm

PORTLAND, Oregon (Ticker) - The race to stay over .500 for the Portland Trail Blazers continues on Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Neither team is headed to the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference, but the Trail Blazers are continuing to battle as if they were.

With No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden back playing next season, Portland expects to be in a different position. "Let's stay next year we're in a playoff race - and we will be - we need to be mentally prepared," Trail Blazers' center Channing Frye said. "We should know what it feels like and continue to push." Portland had a 13-game winning streak earlier in the season, but is only 17-21 since. The Trail Blazers have not been to the playoffs since the 2002-03 campaign.

The Clippers, without the services of forward Elton Brand and point guard Shaun Livingston all season, have lost five straight games and 13 of their last 15. "We want to finish strong because going into next year we will get players back," Los Angeles forward Al Thornton said. "We know we can't get into the playoffs, but we want to build and go into next season strong." Portland won the first of the three-game season series, 82-80, on February 27. The teams wrap up the home-and-home on Saturday in Los Angeles.

SoCal NBA Capsule

LA Clippers (21-44) at Minnesota (15-50), 5:00 pm

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - Despite being one of the worst teams in the NBA, the Minnesota Timberwolves have enjoyed success against the Los Angeles Clippers this season. The Timberwolves aim to win their season series with the Clippers when the Western Conference bottom-feeders square off Monday in Minnesota.

Minnesota is just 15-50 this season and has lost 27 of its 32 road contests. But the Timberwolves have won three of their last four road games, including a 99-96 victory over the Clippers on March 8. Al Jefferson had 30 points and 12 rebounds in that contest for Minnesota, which has won two of its three meetings with the Clippers. The Timberwolves look to bounce back from Saturday's 107-96 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Marko Jaric scored 19 points while Jefferson added 18 points and 11 boards for Minnesota, which has won three of its last five games.

Mired in last place in the Pacific Division, the Clippers have dropped 11 of their last 13 contests, including Saturday's 119-109 overtime loss to the Washington Wizards. Corey Maggette scored 34 points to pace Los Angeles, which lost rookie forward Al Thornton to a leg injury in the second quarter. Thornton, who did not return to the contest, became the latest player to suffer an injury for the Clippers, who already are without Elton Brand (Achilles), Chris Kaman (back), Shaun Livingston (knee) and Paul Davis (torn ACL).

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LA Clippers (21-42) at Atlanta (26-38), 4:30 pm

ATLANTA (Ticker) - A victory over the struggling Los Angeles Clippers is exactly what the Atlanta Hawks need to start a push towards a playoff berth.

The Hawks are 3-7 in their last 10 games, but trail eighth-place New Jersey by just a half-game in the Eastern Conference standings. Atlanta has the longest postseason draught in the league, having missed the playoffs each year since 1999. "It's been tough," said the Hawks' Joe Johnson. "Every time we get in a position to move up, we take a step back." Atlanta has lost six of its last seven games and 14 of 18. The Hawks have lost seven of their last nine games against the Clippers, but have won two of the last three.

Los Angeles has lost nine of its last 11 games, including Wednesday's 110-86 loss to Orlando. The Clippers were without the services of center Chris Kaman (back) for the second consecutive game.

SoCal NBA Preview

LA Clippers (20-41) at Miami (11-50), 4:30 pm

MIAMI (Ticker) -- It's been a forgettable season for the Miami Heat, whose mounting losses include a pair of defeats on the same day. The Heat, who own the NBA's worst record, face the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday after coming off a pair of losses to Atlanta on Saturday. Miami lost the scheduled game, 97-94, following the completion of the final 51.9 seconds of a disputed 114-111 loss to the Hawks that started on December 19. The replay was ordered by the NBA, which upheld the Heat's protest of the December game in which the Atlanta stat crew incorrectly ruled that Shaquille O'Neal had fouled out in overtime. He actually had only five fouls.

The Heat and the Clippers are both 2-8 records in their last 10 games. Miami will try to avoid a third straight loss at home while attempting to finish a season sweep of Los Angeles. Dwyane Wade had 33 points and 10 assists in the Heat;s 100-94 road win over the Clippers on December 9. Los Angeles has lost two straight and eight of nine games overall, including a 99-96 home loss Saturday to Minnesota in which it blew a 13-point lead in the third quarter.

SoCal NBA Preview

Sacramento (26-34) at LA Clippers (14-46), 7:30 pm

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - A night after getting their hearts broken by Kobe Bryant, the Sacramento Kings look to take their frustrations out on the struggling Los Angeles Clippers.

Sacramento was held scoreless for the final 4:07 and Bryant scored 17 fourth-quarter points as the Los Angeles Lakers rallied for a 117-105 victory over the Kings on Tuesday. Ron Artest and Kevin Martin each scored 23 points for Sacramento, which lost for the fifth time in six games and fell to 0-8 vs. Pacific Division foes.

But the Kings should be able to get their first division win against the Clippers, who have lost six straight and are showing no signs of life. Rookie Al Thornton scored 20 points in his first start - a 106-80 loss to Philadelphia on Monday. The setback leaves Los Angeles one loss shy of matching its season-high seven-game losing steak set from November 23 - December 5. Not only are the Clippers losing - they are being blown out. Their last six losses have been by an average of 18 points. In a lost season, Thornton has been one of the lone bright spots. The 14th overall pick of last year's draft has scored in double figures in 11 of the past 12 games. The Clippers won the first two meetings. Thornton scored 23 points in a 111-85 win in the last meeting on January 23.

SoCal NBA Preview

Philadelphia (27-33) at LA Clippers (19-38), 7:30 pm

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Philadelphia 76ers look to continue their recent strong play Monday against the struggling Los Angeles Clippers.

The Sixers have won 11 of their last 16 games to move into the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Philadelphia is coming off a 119-114 victory at Phoenix on Saturday. Andre Iguodala and Andre Miller have led the Sixers' recent surge. Iguodala was 15-for-23 from the field and had 32 points against the Suns while Miller had 25 points and 12 assists Saturday.

The Clippers have lost five straight contests by an average of 16.8 points. Los Angeles is coming off a 103-73 home loss to Detroit on Saturday. Center Chris Kaman returned from a four-game absence due to a sore lower back and finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds in 33 minutes.

In the first meeting this season on February 9, Philadelphia held Kaman to a season-low four points in a 101-80 win. Iguodala and Miller combined for 32 points, nine rebounds and 16 assists. Philadelphia is going for its first season-series sweep of the Clippers since 2002-03.

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LA Clippers (19-36) at Denver (34-23), 7:30 pm, EPSN

DENVER (Ticker) -- Allen Iverson and the Denver Nuggets hope to continue their march toward the postseason when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.

The Nuggets shot a franchise-record 67 percent (59-for-88) in a 138-96 victory over Seattle on Wednesday, snapping a three-game losing streak. Iverson led the way with 31 points. "After a while it did feel easy, and it was just because we were in a rhythm," Iverson said. "We were finding the open man. We were getting the ball to people that needed it and we just had a good rhythm on both ends of the floor." Despite the victory, Denver is still on the outside looking in for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference playoff hunt. The Nuggets currently are one-half game behind Golden State (34-22) and play a string of five straight games against teams ahead of them in the West after their matchup with the Clippers.

Los Angeles is coming off an 82-80 loss to Portland on Wednesday, extending its losing streak to three games. Corey Maggette scored 32 points in the loss. The Clippers will be without point guard Sam Cassell, who was waived Thursday. The 38-year-old had missed the last four games due to a sore right wrist. The teams have split the first two meetings this season, with each winning on its own home floor.

SoCal NBA Preview

Portland (29-28) at LA Clippers (19-35), 7:30 pm

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - The shorthanded Portland Trail Blazers look to end a three-game losing streak on Wednesday when they pay a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers.

With All-Star Brandon Roy sidelined due to an injured ankle, the Blazers came up on the short end of the stick on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers, 96-83, on Tuesday. "We did some good things the first half of the season, but that's the first half," said Portland coach Nate McMillan, who was ejected in the fourth. "The second half is going to be a huge challenge for us to try and win games going down the stretch and get our team to play well as a unit."

Roy's absence puts a lot of scoring responsibilities on LaMarcus Aldridge, who has scored at least 20 points in four of his last five games on the road. Aldridge should have his way in this one as Clippers big man Chris Kaman looks like he'll miss his third straight game with on-going back issues. Kaman is averaging 16.2 points and 13.3 boards in 46 games this season.

The Clippers suffered their second consecutive blowout on Monday at the hands of the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics, who coasted to a 104-76 win here. Veteran guard Sam Cassell, who was an All-Star in the 2003-04, as reportedly asked the Clippers for a buyout of the remaining two years of his contact.

SoCal NBA Preview

Boston (42-12) at LA Clippers (19-34), 7:30 pm

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics aim to end a disappointing road trip on a high note Monday when they visit the lowly Los Angeles Clippers.

After opening their five-game road trip with three straight losses, the Celtics won at Portland, 112-102, on Sunday. Paul Pierce scored 30 points to pace Boston, which ended its longest skid of the season and improved to 18-8 overall on the road. The Celtics rallied from a 17-point deficit, taking advantage of the departure of the Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy to an aggravated ankle sprain in the third quarter.

The Clippers have the fourth-worst record in the Western Conference but are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have used 22 different lineups this season. A 115-93 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday ended the Clippers' two-game winning streak.

The Clippers, who have been without injured starters Elton Brand and Shaun Livingston all season, played without Chris Kaman (back) and Sam Cassell (wrist). Cassell, who had expressed interest in joining the Celtics, is hoping to have his contract bought out in hopes of joining a contender. Cassell, 38, is making $6.1 million in the final year of a two-year deal.