Nesby Enjoys Playing, Hates Losing

Getting more playing time is a priority for most reserves and thanks to the Clippers’ horrendous start this year, rookie forward Tyrone Nesby’s minutes seem to grow with each passing loss.

Nesby, however, does not like the reason for his expanding role.

“I would rather not play if it means for us to get a win,” said Nesby, who led the Clippers in scoring in their last game with a season-high 17 points against Atlanta.

“It’s all right to get in there and play but when you ain’t winning, it’s not too much fun. I’m going to still go out there and play hard. But at the same time, when the final buzzer goes off and you look up and see the score, it’s hard. Really hard.”

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Point guard Sherman Douglas may not play tonight at Dallas because of a groin injury he aggravated Saturday against the Hawks. Douglas had been playing despite the injury the last week but his leg tightened up in the first quarter. He practiced but Darrick Martin is expected to start, with James Robinson as the emergency replacement, since Pooh Richardson was put on the injured list because of an ankle injury Saturday. . . . Forward Maurice Taylor, forced to sit out Saturday’s game against Atlanta, practiced Monday and is expected to play tonight. . . . Center Michael Olowokandi, on the injured list because of an ankle sprain, hopes to return and face the Lakers on March 10 at the Great Western Forum.

TONIGHT at Dallas, 5:30 PST

Fox Sports West 2

* Site--Reunion Arena.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 0-12; Mavericks 5-10.

* Record vs. Mavericks--0-1.

* Update--After winning three of four games against the Mavericks last season, the Clippers were handed a 105-90 defeat by Dallas at the Sports Arena last month. Gary Trent’s emergence as a scoring and rebounding force has helped the Mavericks win four of their last six games. This is the first game in a three-game Texas trip for the Clippers.