Maggette Goes on Injured List

As expected, the Clippers put Corey Maggette on the injured list Friday because of what team doctor Tony Daly said are dislocated fourth and fifth metacarpals in the right hand.

It’s uncertain how long Maggette, who also has a mild concussion and a sore left knee, is expected to be sidelined. It could be about a month before he is fit to play again and the Clippers are said to be seeking free-agent help for the short term.

Maggette had a hard cast placed on his hand, which he injured during the Clippers’ loss Thursday against the Orlando Magic. The injury was at first called a dislocated knuckle of his right pinkie.

Coach Alvin Gentry could play Darius Miles in Maggette’s starting spot at small forward tonight against the Indiana Pacers. Maggette had been filling in for Lamar Odom, who will be sidelined for several more weeks because of sprains to his right wrist and ankle.

Miles had muscle spasms in his right side Thursday, a condition related to the sprained right shoulder he suffered Monday, and he could not play in the fourth quarter against the Magic. He was termed questionable to play tonight by the team.

The Clippers are 2-3 since the All-Star break and scrambling to move among the top eight teams that will qualify for the Western Conference playoffs.

Maggette has been their defensive stopper, guarding the opposition’s best offensive forward. Thursday, he was matched up against Tracy McGrady of the Magic and he has also guarded Kobe Bryant of the Lakers.

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TONIGHT

at Indiana, 5 p.m.

Site--Conseco Fieldhouse.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 27-29, Pacers 26-28.

Record vs. Pacers--1-0.

Update--Ron Artest, Ron Mercer, Brad Miller and Kevin Ollie made their debuts as Pacers on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They were acquired Tuesday from the Chicago Bulls for Travis Best, Norm Richardson, Jalen Rose and a draft pick. The move means the Pacers will count on rookie Jamaal Tinsley, who has averaged more than eight assists, to be the starting point guard. The Clippers beat the Pacers, 103-72, Dec. 2 at Staples Center but they have lost eight consecutive at Indianapolis, their last victory coming Jan. 8, 1992.

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Elliott Teaford