Ailments Leave Roster Short

A little more than an hour before the Clippers took the floor to play the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night, the team’s locker room was filled with empty stalls.

Because the Clippers were without four players--Derek Anderson and Brian Skinner (ankle injuries), Maurice Taylor (flu) and Marty Conlon (family illness)--there was plenty of room to get dressed.

Guard Eric Murdock, in his ninth NBA season, said he has never been on a team reduced to such low numbers so fast.

“[Tuesday’s] practice was crazy,” said Murdock, who joined the Clippers in a trade from New Jersey before the start of training camp. “We couldn’t really do anything because we didn’t have enough players to go five-on-five. We had to do a lot of half-court stuff.

“Usually teams have a couple of guys in reserve, so when people do get hurt you still have enough players to practice. It’s a little different here.”

The Clippers, who do not catch a break by playing Sacramento tonight at Staples Center, were also down to nine players last month and played well despite their shortened roster.

“Our attitude now is just like it was the other time we had players down,” Murdock said. “Guys know they are being counted on when they go out there. Everybody kind of leans on one another and plays hard when everyone is not here.”

TONIGHT

vs. Sacramento, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 7-18; Kings 14-9.

* Record vs. Kings (1999 season)--1-2.

* Update--The Clippers defeated Sacramento to end a 17-game losing streak at the start of last season and hold a 40-28 edge in home games against the Kings. Sacramento may be without forward Chris Webber, who has missed three consecutive games because of a neck injury.

* Tickets--(213) 745-7455 or (213) 480-3232.