So far they’re stuck in middle

OAKLAND -- Despite their solid start this season, the Clippers aren’t ready to mark the playoffs as a sure destination.

“I don’t think we can say that until we become more consistent,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “Right now, we pretty much for the most part have beaten teams we are supposed to beat. Until we play the tougher teams, I don’t know.”

The team’s five wins have come against opponents with a combined 7-30 record before Friday.

The Clippers rank near the middle of the NBA in many statistical categories, something Dunleavy said was a telling factor.

They entered Friday’s game against Golden State ranked 12th in scoring at 99.1 points a game and 23rd in field-goal shooting at 42.7%. They also were eighth in rebounding, at 44.85 a game, and tied for 12th in blocks at 5.0 a game.

“The year that we were really good [2005-06], we were in the top five in just about every defensive category,” Dunleavy said. “To me, that’s the difference. A lot of ways, the numbers don’t lie. Your record is going to be indicative of some of those statistics.

“As far as I’m concerned, we have a whole lot more to prove.”

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Chris Kaman, Corey Maggette and Cuttino Mobley are the Clippers on this year’s All-Star ballot. Voting ends Jan. 13 for paper balloting, a week later for NBA.com balloting.

Elton Brand was the Clippers’ most recent All-Star, in 2005-06.

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Extra traffic is expected near Staples Center before tonight’s game against Chicago because of an auto show at the Convention Center.

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TONIGHT

vs. Chicago, 7:30, Channel 5

Site -- Staples Center

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 5-3, Bulls 1-6.

Record vs. Bulls -- 1-0.

Update --The Clippers beat the Bulls, 97-91, on Nov. 6 for their third win of the season.

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jonathan.abrams@latimes.com