Miller, Jaric Shooting Stars

There has been a good deal of hand-wringing recently among the Clipper coaches about the team’s poor shooting. The Clippers began Saturday’s game ranked 15th among the 29 NBA teams with a 43.8% shooting percentage.

“We’ve got to start making shots,” Coach Alvin Gentry said after the team’s 32-for-85 shooting (37.6%) in Friday’s loss to the Spurs. “We’ve got to step up and make shots. It’s a pretty simple game.”

The coaches are thought to be especially concerned about point guard Andre Miller, who has been hobbled by a sprained left ankle since Nov. 29 and was shooting 40.7% in 22 games before Saturday’s game against the Rockets.

For one game, at least, the coaches could stop worrying.

Led by Miller’s 10-for-15 shooting and 27 points, the Clippers made 39 of 81 shots (48.1%) en route to a 94-83 victory over Houston. Marko Jaric made six of 14 shots, scored 13 points and added eight assists.

“We have to make some of those outside shots in order to open it up inside for Michael [Olowokandi] and Elton [Brand],” Gentry said. “Marko helped open things up for Michael and Elton.”

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Eric Piatkowski sat out his second game because of a lower abdominal strain and said he expects to be sidelined for Monday’s game against the Spurs at Staples Center.

“No way,” he said when asked if he would play Monday. “Unless there is a dramatic improvement. If I’m not 100%, then I’ll just re-aggravate it.”

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The Clippers have won five consecutive games against the Rockets, including both this season.... The Rockets were without forward Kenny Thomas, who has a sprained right ankle. Eddie Griffin filled in for Thomas, drawing Brand as his defensive assignment.... The Clippers outrebounded Houston 44-36, taking 15 offensive rebounds.