Piatkowski Ready to Return

Shooting guard Eric Piatkowski has not played in a game since Nov. 2, the Clippers’ season opener. He has been sidelined because of bruised ribs and has watched his teammates clang one missed three-point attempt after another.

With the Clippers making only 11 of 49 shots from behind the three-point line on the road, Piatkowski is hoping to provide some long-distance relief against Toronto tonight at Air Canada Centre.

“I’ve been wanting to play so, so, so bad,” Piatkowski said.

Forward Maurice Taylor, sidelined because of a sprained left foot, is feeling better but is not expected to return until at least next week. Guard Derek Anderson, who suffered a mild concussion against the Bucks, hopes to return Saturday at Washington.

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Eric Murdock, who started the first two games of the season, is still not 100% because of tendinitis in his right knee, but the veteran point guard is getting his game back.

“I’m finally starting to feel good,” said Murdock, who made a key three-point play in the victory Wednesday over the Timberwolves. “It feels good to be healthy again. The last couple of days, I’ve been feeling good.”

Coach Chris Ford has stayed with Troy Hudson as starting point guard, but he hinted Murdock could regain his starting role soon.

TONIGHT

at Toronto, 4 PST, Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Air Canada Centre.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 2-6, Raptors 5-3.

* Record vs. Raptors (1999)--0-1.

* Update--Rookie Lamar Odom has already faced Scottie Pippen, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Glenn Robinson and Kevin Garnett, and tonight he’ll go against Vince Carter of the Raptors. Carter leads Toronto in scoring (22.4 points) and steals (1.43) and is second in assists and third in rebounding.