Team Is Thin at the Point

If point guard Sherman Douglas is unable to play today because of a nagging groin injury, the Clippers will have to use Charles Smith as a backup behind Darrick Martin against Minnesota.

Douglas did not practice Saturday and said he doubts if he’ll be healthy enough to play after laboring through Friday’s loss at Toronto. Martin is expected to get the majority of playing time against the Timberwolves because veteran Pooh Richardson, recovering from an ankle injury, is on the injured list for at least four more games. If Smith has to play the point, look for Lamond Murray to get more minutes at shooting guard.

Another move by Coach Chris Ford has Rodney Rogers getting minutes at small forward with Lorenzen Wright switching to power forward from center. Ford is trying to create different options to end his team’s losing streak, which stands at five.

“I don’t know what [Ford] is trying to do [with the moves], but we just have to find a way to get a win,” Martin said.

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As if the Clippers don’t have enough things to worry about, Maurice Taylor, the team’s leading scorer, continues to have problems with both of his Achilles’ tendons. He has been bothered by the injuries since the team’s loss to Seattle a week ago.

“This is the first time that I’ve had any problem like this. I can’t even move at times. . . . It’s like I don’t have any explosiveness,” Taylor said. “I’m scared to make any quick movement.”

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Of the Clippers’ 22 losses, 15 have been by 10 or more points and 10 by 15 or more. The Clippers have the worst defense in the league, ranking 29th in total points allowed and opponents’ field-goal percentage. The Clippers also rank last in rebounding.

TODAY at Minnesota, 12:30 PST

* Site--Target Center

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 1-22, Timberwolves 14-11.

* Record vs. Timberwolves--0-1.

* Update--This will be the final game of a five-game trip for the Clippers, who are looking to end a 20-game road losing streak dating to last season. Minnesota handed the Clippers a 95-73 loss at the Sports Arena last month. The Timberwolves ended a four-game losing streak with a 105-101 victory at Denver on Friday. Kevin Garnett leads Minnesota in scoring and rebounding.