Tests Get Tougher for Miles

Playing power forward in the Western Conference may be the toughest job in the NBA and rookie Darius Miles will get another difficult assignment tonight when the Clippers play host to Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center.

Over the last three weeks, Miles has had to battle dominant players such as Sacramento’s Chris Webber, Minnesota’s Kevin Garnett and Denver’s Antonio McDyess. The teenager has been abused at times, but he has also played well enough to carry the Clippers with his own scoring and defense.

In Duncan, however, it’s a whole different ball game because not too many players have had success going one-on-one against the most valuable player of the 1999 NBA finals.

“I’m just going to play him hard and try and use my quickness,” Miles said about facing Duncan, who is three inches taller and nearly 60 pounds heavier.

Coach Alvin Gentry expects Miles to have his problems against both Duncan and fellow San Antonio big man David Robinson.

“We’ll start out with [Miles] and see what happens,” said Gentry, whose Clippers have lost seven consecutive games. “But you’ll probably see Cherokee [Parks] play them some. Derek Strong will play against them some and the same with Brian Skinner. We’re going to have to keep running guys in and out of there.”

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It may end up being a game-time decision if the Clippers want to do something with swingman Corey Maggette, who is eligible to be activated off the injured list and has been cleared to play by doctors after suffering a mild concussion at Atlanta on Jan. 13.

In order to activate Maggette, someone on the roster has to be moved. Shooting guards Quentin Richardson (toe) and Eric Piatkowski (sore knee) both did not practice Sunday, but both players said they expect to be ready for tonight’s game.

The Clippers do not have too many other choices in order to make room for Maggette unless they make a trade. Point guard Earl Boykins, who has played well and has become a fan favorite, and big men Strong, Skinner and Parks may be needed with back-to-back games against Duncan and Robinson.

TONIGHT

vs. San Antonio, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 13-31, Spurs 26-15.

* Record vs. Spurs (1999-2000--0-4.

* Update--The Clippers will play the Spurs again on Wednesday at San Antonio. The Clippers have not won since defeating Denver on Jan. 10. They have not defeated the Spurs since Dec. 4, 1997.

* Tickets--(800) 462-2849