Maggette has plenty of time

Corey Maggette prefers to have a heavy workload, and Coach Mike Dunleavy has kept him busy recently.

Maggette has averaged 37.3 minutes in the Clippers’ last six games -- 8.3 more than his season average. With the extra playing time, Maggette says he’s determined to make things happen, trying to help the Clippers in many areas.

He played a key role in Friday’s 102-93 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats, penetrating the Bobcats’ zone defense often and finishing with five assists.

The Clippers are trying to reach the playoffs, and there’s no time to rest, Maggette said.

“When you have freedom to take shots, and when you’re not playing on a limited-minute basis, it gives you more confidence all around,” Maggette said. “I’m out there trying to find my teammates and get them going, and that’s what we have to do for each other right now.

“The main thing is that our team is in a positive state. Even though we’ve been losing, we’ve still been staying positive. As long as we just stay positive and stay together, we’re going to be all right.”

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Sam Cassell, who sat out the first two games of the six-game, 10-day trip because of an abdominal injury, returned against the Bobcats and had 11 points with four assists in 20 minutes.

“I gave my guys a lift and they played better,” Cassell said. “We played with a lot more confidence and passion. We need that passion now.”

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The Clippers have moved the ball better on offense the last few games, players said.

“If we played like that every game, hustle and move that ball around, we wouldn’t be in the predicament we are now,” Cuttino Mobley said. “No way we would.”

TONIGHT

at New Jersey, 3 PDT, Channel 5

Site -- Continental Airlines Arena.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 30-35, Nets 30-36.

Record vs. Nets -- 1-0.

Update -- The Clippers are 1-2 on their trip. Cuttino Mobley made a three-pointer with 0.6 of a second left to lift the Clippers to a 102-101 victory over New Jersey on Jan. 25 at Staples Center.

jason.reid@latimes.com