Bench Is Thin Without Nesby

It was basically a seven-man effort for the Clippers Wednesday night because of the absence of second-year swingman Tyrone Nesby, who left in the morning to be with his ailing mother in Kentucky, and Coach Chris Ford’s reluctance to give minutes to Keith Closs, Anthony Avent and Charles Jones.

“It hurt our rotation a little bit because [Nesby]’s been red hot,” Ford said.

Nesby has shot 55.3% from the field in his last four games, including 10 three-point baskets.

Four Clipper starters played at least 38 minutes. Point guard Troy Hudson played 27 minutes because of the strong play of veteran Eric Murdock, who had nine points and three assists in 21 minutes.

“Eric was playing well and that’s why he got extended minutes,” Ford said.

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Forward Maurice Taylor’s shooting touch returned after a miserable game Monday at Cleveland. Taylor made 10 of 19 shots from the field against the Celtics after missing 11 of 14 against the Cavaliers.

“I knew I was not going to have a bad game. I knew I was going to play better and everybody knew that,” Taylor said. “It was just about me coming out and doing the same things I always do. That was my bad game at Cleveland.”

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Add Boston Coach Rick Pitino to rookie Lamar Odom’s fan club after his 26-point effort, which included four-of-seven shooting from behind the three-point line.

“He’s getting better and better, which is a scary thought,” Pitino said. “I’m glad he’s out West. I recruited Lamar, and I have known him since he was a young man. . . . He’s added the three ball, where before I really thought that was a bad shot for him, but now his rotation is perfect.”

TONIGHT

vs. New Jersey, 4:30

* TV--Channel 9.

* Site--Continental Arena.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 10-24; Nets 14-20.

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

* Update--After a poor start, the Nets have turned it around the last three weeks, winning seven of 10 games. Point guard Stephon Marbury is averaging 21.7 points and 8.2 assists a game. The Clippers, who are expected to be without Nesby tonight, have won two in a row against the Nets at New Jersey. The Nets are 10-9 at home and the Clippers are 3-15 on the road. New Jersey has won two in a row, both on the road.