Odom May Not Play

X-rays taken Friday of Clipper forward Lamar Odom’s sprained right wrist were negative, but his status for today’s game against the Boston Celtics was termed questionable by the team.

There was little question that the Clippers missed Odom, their most versatile player, during Thursday’s loss to the SuperSonics at Seattle. Odom might have been the one player who could have at least slowed Gary Payton down the stretch.

Instead, Payton torched the Clippers for 20 of his season-high 43 points in the fourth quarter. Only the Orlando Magic’s Tracy McGrady, who had 47 points Dec. 10, has scored more against the Clippers this season.

“We didn’t have Lamar and that kind of switches us up,” swingman Corey Maggette said. “You never know what would have happened if we had Lamar. We lost and that’s that.”

Coach Alvin Gentry also refused to use Odom’s absence as an excuse for the loss. After all, the Clippers were 5-3 while Odom served an eight-game drug suspension earlier in the season.

“Lamar is one of those guys who can score four points and still dominate a game,” Gentry said, referring to Odom’s passing and rebounding skills. “Of course we missed him. He’s our best player. But it’s no excuse.”

TODAY

vs. Boston, 12:30 p.m.

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KLAC (570).

Records--Clippers 15-13, Celtics 17-10.

Record vs. Celtics (2000-01)--0-2.

Update--This is the Clippers’ final afternoon game this season at Staples. They are 4-0 in matinees. The Clippers are 14-6 at home, but 1-7 on the road. Their home record matches the franchise’s best mark after 20 games. The 1975-76 Buffalo Braves also were 14-6 to start the season at the Aud. Like the Clippers, the Celtics have lost consecutive games after winning three in a row. Boston lost Wednesday at Utah and Thursday at Phoenix, the first two games on a four-game trip. Paul Pierce averages 27.1 points and Antoine Walker 23.9, but no other Celtic is scoring in double figures.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.