Valentine Is Lost to the Clippers for Six Weeks With Broken Hand

Guard Darnell Valentine of the Clippers will be sidelined for six weeks with a broken left hand, the team said Monday.

Valentine, who missed the first two games of the season because of a contract dispute, signed for three years last Friday and was to have joined the Clippers on a two-game trip opening here tonight against the Mavericks.

Valentine broke a bone in his hand when he hit it on a table while jumping rope Sunday. He was scheduled to take his physical exam Monday.

Rookie guard Dwayne Polee of Pepperdine, who was due to be cut to make room for Valentine, will remain on the roster until the club can acquire an experienced point guard off the waiver list.

The Clippers also announced that guard Marques Johnson suffered a broken right middle finger in the season-opening 107-106 loss to Sacramento last Friday. However, Johnson will probably play tonight.