Clippers Hoping to Reverse Trend Tonight at Seattle

The Clippers, who have lost by 32 and 29 points here this season, will try to avoid another blowout tonight at 7:30, when they meet the Seattle SuperSonics at the Coliseum.

The Clippers (10-20) have won two of their last five games and still find themselves in the Pacific Division cellar. After tonight’s game, the Clippers return to the Sports Arena Monday to play Boston and then embark on a seven-game East Coast trip.

Derek Smith, who still has soreness in his left knee, did not accompany the team to Seattle. Dr. Tony Daly, the Clippers’ physician, said Smith might be ready for next week’s East Coast trip.

Smith’s absence will leave the Clippers with 10 players tonight, since they have yet to sign a player to replace retired Jamaal Wilkes. General Manager Carl Scheer said the club is looking for a backup center.

“I’m talking to teams, exploring the possibilities,” Scheer said. “It’s not easy acquiring a center. You’ve got to give up something, and we’ve got a salary restraint.”

Scheer said the Clippers have “a little more money” than the $70,000 the club paid Wilkes (The Lakers pay the rest under provisions of his contract with them) in which to sign a player.

“We won’t have anyone by tomorrow night (in Seattle), but we will have someone next week,” Scheer said.