NBA : Clippers, Without a Center, Take On Magic

The Clippers, who played without a true center last season after Stanley Roberts suffered a season-ending Achilles’ tendon injury in an exhibition game last October, will again be without one when they open the exhibition season tonight against the Orlando Magic at The Pond of Anaheim.

Roberts, who hasn’t played a regular-season game in nearly two seasons because of Achilles’ tendon injuries, is expected to sit out the exhibition season while he gets into shape. Center Brian Williams, acquired in a draft day trade with the Denver Nuggets, hasn’t practiced since Saturday because of a minor knee injury and flu. Center Constantin Popa, the Clippers’ second-round draft pick, has a strained back.

Charles Outlaw, a 6-foot-8 forward who played out of position at center last season, is expected to start there tonight against Shaquille O’Neal. Keith Tower, a 6-11 swing man who played three games for Orlando before he was waived last season, is also expected to play center.

Guard Terry Dehere isn’t expected to play after spraining his left ankle in a scrimmage Wednesday night.