Injuries, Illness Still Among Big Concerns

The season resumes Thursday for the Clippers but some of the issues that plagued the first half are still present--particularly the issue of health.

Earl Boykins was excused from Tuesday’s practice because of a gastrointestinal infection. He will stay home a couple of days and is questionable for Thursday’s home game against San Antonio.

Jeff McInnis also had a stomach virus but worked out.

Lamar Odom (wrist) and Keyon Dooling (sprained left ankle) were scheduled to have their injuries evaluated after Tuesday’s practice by team physician John Daly. Even if the cast is removed today from Odom’s wrist, there would be no timetable for his return. But Dooling, who practiced extensively for the first time since November, could be activated.

“He’s getting closer,” Coach Alvin Gentry said of Dooling. “It’s a day-to-day thing. You don’t know when he’s going to get past that pain part and do all the things he used to do. It’s an injury that takes awhile [to heal]. But I thought he had his best day of practice. And no one’s worked harder on rehab, I call tell you that now.”

Dooling said there is a little swelling around the left ankle. He knows he needs his lateral movement back to score and defend.

“I’m not as quick as I usually am but I’m getting there,” Dooling said. “It’s to the point now I’ve got to play through it until I get everything back.

“This is the first time I’ve been injured to this extent. It’s been tough on me mentally, but it happens. I’m just looking forward to getting back out there.”

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Reserve forward Harold Jamison also was not at practice but his absence was not excused. Gentry did not appear overly concerned.

“He is a very responsible guy,” Gentry said. “Obviously, he will be fined, and I don’t know what that is right now. But he’s never been late for anything before.

“He can have one goof but it will be a costly goof.”

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Michael Olowokandi was solid (20 points, 12 rebounds) in the last meeting with San Antonio, won by the Clippers, 91-87, on Jan. 31. So he doesn’t think the Spurs will be so quick to have only Tim Duncan or David Robinson defend him.

“This game is all about adjustments,” Olowokandi said. “We’ll make some, and they will too. I imagine they will send some other people at me and try to throw me off rhythm.

“But if it’s one-on-one again I’ll be happy. You look forward to playing real centers in the NBA. Most have a lot of pride and want to play you by themselves.”

Mike Terry