Game 4 start could be put on ice

SAN ANTONIO -- With the Clippers and Kings having playoff games on Sunday at Staples Center, a scheduling conflict could arise.

The Kings are scheduled to play the Phoenix Coyotes in Game 4 of the NHL Western Conference finals at noon and the Clippers are scheduled to play the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at 7:30 p.m.

If the Kings go past one overtime period, the start of the Clippers’ game could be delayed — possibly to 8 p.m.

Any decision about a delay would be made by the NBA and TNT, in conjunction with the Clippers and Spurs.

“If the hockey game runs over, all bets are really off,” Staples Center General Manager Lee Zeidman said.

It takes about 2 hours, 15 minutes to convert the ice rink to a basketball court.

If the Kings go into a third overtime, the start of the game could be delayed even further.

It was suggested that fans attending the Clippers-Spurs game listen to the radio to learn what time the game would begin.

“Due to a variety of circumstances, we are faced with some potential scheduling obstacles in Los Angeles this weekend,” said Tim Frank, the NBA’s senior vice president of basketball communications. “We are currently working with our teams and network partners on contingency plans in case Sunday’s NHL game extends into multiple overtime periods.”

Butler coping with injury

Caron Butler has been adjusting to the brace he wears to protect his fractured left hand.

Butler was injured in Game 1 of the first-round series against Memphis. He missed Game 2 but has played every game since then.

He scored 15 points in Game 1 of the semifinals against San Antonio on Tuesday night, a positive sign.

“It’s difficult at times,” Butler said. “But I’m starting to get a feel of how to play with it. It’s an adjustment, an adjustment on the fly. It’s playing with the pain. It’s shooting the ball differently, the ball coming out different ways. It’s a whole different feel.”

Young delays root canal

Nick Young decided not to get a root canal on an upper wisdom tooth on the off day Wednesday because he didn’t to miss any games. The Clippers began a stretch Thursday in which they play three games in four days.

Tickets available

The Clippers announced that there are some tickets remaining for Games 3 (Saturday) and 4 (Sunday) at Staples Center against the Spurs.

The tickets are priced at $55, $75 and $105 and are available at Ticketmaster.com, Clippers.com or by calling 800-4NBA-TIX.

broderick.turner@latimes.com

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