With Finale, a Reality Check

After enjoying the euphoria surrounding their move to the Staples Center for the 1999-2000 season, the Clippers must get back to the cold, hard reality of 1997-98. That means trying to win tonight’s season finale against Sacramento to merely equal their worst two seasons in the last 11. In 1987-88 and 1994-95, the Clippers were 17-65.

In terms of the draft lottery, the Clippers are already locked into position as the second-worst team.

Although the Toronto Raptors began Friday night’s game with 16 victories as well, they are not a factor. Part of the agreement when the Raptors came into existence three years ago was that they would not be eligible for the top pick until next year.

TONIGHT vs. Sacramento

* 8

* Fox Sports West 2

Site--Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim.

Radio--KEZY-FM (95.9), LITE-FM (92.7).

Records--Clippers 16-65, Kings 27-53.

Record vs. Kings--2-1.

Update--Tonight’s game begins at 8 in order to avoid a traffic crunch with Angel fans. The Angels will be playing host to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Edison Field beginning at 7. The Clippers have won only two of the five games they have played in Anaheim this season. Rookie forward Maurice Taylor, suffering from a slashed right hand that required seven stitches, is questionable.