Strong Presence Felt on Boards

The Clippers entered Friday night’s game against the Seattle SuperSonics as the NBA’s fourth-best rebounding team and the addition of veteran Derek Strong is a factor.

Strong, included in the Corey Maggette draft-day trade from Orlando, does not lead the Clippers in rebounding. Second-year forward Lamar Odom holds that distinction at 8.5 rebounds a game. But Strong is not far behind with a 6.2 average, including a 13-rebound effort against New Jersey last week.

“That’s an advantage of having a veteran player like Derek,” Coach Alvin Gentry said. “There were a couple of games when he didn’t even play, but when I’ve had to put him [in he’s] done the job. . . . The guy is a veteran.”

With Brian Skinner on the injured list until Wednesday because of an ankle sprain, Strong gives the Clippers more offensive punch. He’s only scoring slightly under six points a game but he provides an outside threat.

“Derek is a smart player and someone we can screen and [pick and] roll with,” Gentry said. “He can step out to make the open jump shot. He gives us another weapon when he is out there.”

TONIGHT

vs. Phoenix, 7:30

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 4-9, Suns 9-3.

* Record vs. Suns (1999-2000 season): 0-4.

* Update--Phoenix has not lost to the Clippers since March 18, 1997 and has won the last 11 meetings between the teams. Forwards Shawn Marion and Clifford Robinson lead the Suns in scoring and point guard Jason Kidd is the leader in assists and steals. Forward Tom Gugliotta is off the injured list after missing much of last season because of a knee injury. However, guard Penny Hardaway is still sidelined because of a knee injury and guard Rex Chapman retired last week.

* Tickets--(800) 462-2849