Only Time Will Tell If Progress Derailed

Two steps forward and one giant leap backward.

That’s where the Clippers stand today, after superb play during victories over the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets but another in a string of fourth-quarter belly flops during Wednesday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Clippers had a chance to reach the .500 mark before Christmas, but by squandering a 14-point lead and losing to the Trail Blazers, the best they can do is a 13-15 mark at the holiday break.

“It really is a shame,” Coach Alvin Gentry said. “We played good basketball and we let that game slip away. In a way, it is a step back. We had a good roll going there. If we win that game, our confidence is soaring.”

The Clippers have won five of their last eight games, their most successful stretch this season.

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Point guard Andre Miller did not practice Thursday because of a sprained left ankle and his status for tonight against the Phoenix Suns will be determined at game time.

Shooting guard Eric Piatkowski also did not practice and will not play tonight or Saturday against the Denver Nuggets because of a lower abdominal strain.

The team’s medical staff hopes a five-day layoff after Saturday’s game will give each player a chance to recover. Miller has been hobbled since Nov. 29. Piatkowski injured himself Dec. 10.

Miller has sat out only once; Piatkowski will be sidelined for a total of six games.

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TONIGHT

vs. Phoenix, 7:30, ESPN

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- KXTA (1150), KTNQ (1020, Spanish).

Records -- Clippers 11-15, Suns 14-11.

Record vs. Suns -- (2001-02) 3-1.

Update -- The Clippers have won five of the last seven games against the Suns. Phoenix hasn’t played since losing Tuesday to the Sacramento Kings, ending a four-game winning streak that included road victories at Boston and Philadelphia. The Suns are 3-7 away from America West Arena.

Tickets -- (800) 462-2849.