Uncertainty Prevails After Breakthrough

Trying to figure out the Clippers can give anyone a headache. They enter tonight’s game at Cleveland with a 1-4 record on the current seven-game trip.

They played well enough to have won at least three of the games, and Monday’s victory at Detroit in overtime was the Clippers’ first in nine overtime games.

But based on the team’s body language during the trip, assuming the Clippers are ready to turn things around based on one victory could be a reach.

“There’s a lot going on between us, that’s why [Monday’s victory] was big,” said point guard Jeff McInnis, who had 12 points and 12 assists against the Pistons. “We all know how many overtime games we had been in and lost. Everyone was frustrated. And then letting our big lead slip away [a 19-point first-half advantage against Detroit]. . . . Everyone was mad.”

Veteran Cherokee Parks has seen it before.

“There’s a fine line between us having 26, 27 or 30 wins by now,” said Parks, who hopes to play tonight after sitting out Monday’s game because of back spasms.

“But every team at the bottom feels that way because of so many close defeats. It was like that when I played with Vancouver. Good teams like Miami, Portland, San Antonio and the Lakers are in close games too. They are not blowing everyone out, but they are winning tough games. They finish games.”

TONIGHT

at Cleveland, 4:30 PST

* Site--Gund Arena.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 17-38, Cavaliers 21-30.

* Record vs. Cavaliers (1999-2000)--0-2.

* Update--Cleveland has won nine in a row against the Clippers and 12 of the last 13 meetings between the teams.