Singleton gets to play along on trip

It has been an interesting trip for James Singleton.

Before the opener at Boston, the second-year forward moved to clarify comments he made in frustration, saying he did not want to be traded after all.

Then with the Clippers short-handed because of injuries and illness, Coach Mike Dunleavy turned to Singleton in the fourth quarter of the team’s 90-89 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.

In seven minutes, Singleton had three points, two rebounds and two steals. He provided energy for the Clippers, who improved to 2-3 on a seven-game, 12-day trip -- their longest of the season -- that continues today against the Indiana Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Singleton’s performance was a key factor in the victory over the 76ers, his teammates said.

“James Singleton came off that bench and played with reckless abandon,” Elton Brand said. “He got tips, got rebounds, hit a jumper and played some good defense.”

It felt good to contribute, Singleton said.

“I’ve been talking to coach [Dunleavy] lately, and the only thing I need is for him to just trust me and believe in me,” Singleton said. “Lately, our relationship has been a lot better. He just tells me what he wants me to do, I go out there and do it.”

In 30 games, Singleton is averaging 1.8 points and two rebounds. He did not play in the first three games of the trip.

“After being on the bench for so long, when coach calls your number in a pressure situation like that, it shows he hasn’t forgotten about me and what I can do,” Singleton said. “That can only make you feel good.”

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Despite their problems on the trip and this season, the Clippers would be in the Western Conference playoffs if the season ended today.

“We’re still giving ourselves a chance,” Shaun Livingston said. “When you’re losing games, especially on the road, it’s almost like you tend to find ways to lose. If we can just break out of that, we should be OK.”

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TODAY

at Indiana, 11:30 a.m. PST

Site -- Conseco Fieldhouse.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 25-25, Pacers 26-24.

Record vs. Pacers (2005-06) -- 0-2.

Update -- Corey Maggette has been inactive the last two games because of flu-like symptoms. Forward Tim Thomas (hyperextension of the right knee) sat out the Clippers’ victory over Philadelphia. The Pacers have lost three consecutive games on their home court. Mike Dunleavy Jr. is averaging 12.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 11 games since being acquired from the Golden State Warriors in a trade.

jason.reid@latimes.com