Olowokandi Expected Back

Clipper center Michael Olowokandi, who skipped Friday’s workout one day after being criticized for his play by teammate Maurice Taylor, is expected to be at today’s practice, team officials said.

Olowokandi, who is averaging 9.8 points and 7.7 rebounds, has been bothered by a painful left knee injury. Taylor ripped him after Olowokandi had only four points and four rebounds in a rout by the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

Team officials declined comment Saturday, stating they preferred handling the matter internally.

Bill Duffy, Olowokandi’s agent, said a recent MRI test on Olowokandi’s knee was negative but the second-year player still has been experiencing pain.

“I told him he shouldn’t play if he’s not 100%,” Duffy said. “He didn’t play [in a victory over Boston on Dec. 26] and I didn’t expect him to play [in a loss at Denver last Tuesday] but he made a game-time decision to play.

“I think he feels that he needs to be there for the team at all costs but now he’s being criticized.”

Olowokandi, the No. 1 pick in the 1998 draft, struggled in the Clippers’ two blowout losses at Denver and Houston. He made only five of 13 shots and had 13 rebounds in 56 total minutes.

Coach Chris Ford said late last week that he noticed a decline in Olowokandi’s mobility in mid-December. Olowokandi’s game appeared to be improving when he had several double-doubles in points and rebounds.

“Michael is in a no-win situation,” Duffy said. “I understand when you are losing everyone is frustrated. He wants to play but he’s hurt. I’m under the impression that he needs to rest at least a week. . . . He really shouldn’t be playing until he’s fully recovered and 100%.”