Team Hopes to Settle In at Home

Starting with Saturday night’s game against Portland, the Clippers will play five consecutive games at Staples Center, their longest homestand until March.

The Clippers are optimistic about ending the five-game stretch with a winning record after winning three of five games heading into their matchup with the Trail Blazers.

“Over the past couple of games, we’ve learned that if we play unselfish, play together and have defense as our first priority, we can play with anybody,” said Anthony Avent, backup power forward and center.

“Even though we haven’t won all of our games, we’re right there. . . . We are getting games into the fourth quarter, giving ourselves a chance to see what happens. We can beat these teams that are coming up.”

This week, the Clippers will play Phoenix on Tuesday and Houston on Thursday, followed by a rematch with Seattle on Saturday. The Clippers will close the homestand against Miami on Monday, Dec. 6.

It’s a chance for the Clippers to establish a home-court advantage at Staples Center.

“I haven’t taken a poll or anything but I think the guys enjoy playing here,” Coach Chris Ford said.

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Power forward Maurice Taylor sat out his seventh game in a row because of a left foot sprain but has been cleared by team physician Tony Daly to play Tuesday.

“The last hurdle is to see if the swelling has gone down,” Ford said about Taylor’s injury.

“But when he does return, we have to see where he is with his game and stamina. He has been trying to do things but it is the same old story, you can work all you want but when you get into a game, it is a different feeling with your legs and wind.”

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Guard Derek Anderson left the game in the second half because of discomfort caused by a sinus infection. He is scheduled to see a dentist today.