NBA PLAYOFFS / UPDATE : CLIPPERS : Roberts, Grant Nursing Sore Shoulders

Stanley Roberts did not practice Tuesday because of a strained shoulder, and Gary Grant is bothered again by a sore shoulder that has dogged him for much of the second half of the season, but the Clippers’ injury problems are nothing compared to those of the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets will be without at least one starter, Vernon Maxwell, when the first-round series begins Thursday at the Summit, but concerns over the availability of Robert Horry remain because of tendinitis in a knee. The rookie small forward practiced Tuesday and is officially listed as “expected” to play in Game 1, but the persistent nature of that injury has some wondering if problems will flare again.

Maxwell, the starting off guard, has been officially declared out of only the first two games.

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The Clippers are going to include conditioning clauses in all new contracts, a bonus to encourage players to take part in team-organized off-season workouts. One club official describes the incentive as “just enough for people to want to do it.” Mark Jackson was the first to have it written into his deal.