Douglas Expected to Return Tonight

Sherman Douglas did not play in Tuesday’s game against New York because he’s still on the injured list but the veteran point guard worked out before the game and could be activated before tonight’s game at Boston.

“It looks like he’ll be ready to go,” said Chris Ford, who coached Douglas at Boston and Milwaukee before signing him as a free agent one day before the start of the regular season. “The Clippers really haven’t seen Sherman at his best yet. He missed training camp, came in out of shape and then had a groin injury he hasn’t been able to shake.

“We definitely need his ability to get us into our offense and pass the ball.”

Douglas, shooting 36% from the field and averaging 5.7 points and three assists, is eligible to come off the injured list along with rookie forward Brian Skinner, who has been sidelined because of a knee sprain.

*

As soon as the NBA released its shortened 50-game schedule, Ford’s family circled the team’s current five-game trip on the household calendar since his wife, Kathy, and their children remain on the East Coast while he coaches the Clippers.

“It’s a big deal because it’s a rare opportunity to see them,” said Ford about Tuesday’s game at New York and tonight’s game at Boston.

*

Rookie Michael Olowokandi had 12 points and five rebounds against the Knicks, but he missed facing injured New York center Patrick Ewing.

“Madison Square Garden, everyone dreams of playing there,” Olowokandi said. “I was a little disappointed Patrick Ewing wasn’t there, not that I was going to show my stuff against Patrick but he is a great player and I would have liked to play against him.”

at Boston, 4 PST

* Site--FleetCenter.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 1-20; Celtics 7-12.

* Record vs. Celtics (1997-98)--0-2.

* Update--Boston forward Antoine Walker is eighth in the league in scoring at 21.4 points a game and is averaging a team-high 8.9 rebounds. Kenny Anderson is among the league leaders with 6.5 assists a game but the Celtics lead the NBA in turnovers with 19.2 a game. Rookie Paul Pierce missed two games because of an ankle sprain but played in a loss to Indiana on Sunday. Clipper guard Eric Piatkowski suffered a bruised knee against New York and is listed as day-to-day.