Olowokandi Injures Knee

The hits keep coming for the Clippers.

Center Michael Olowokandi suffered a slight sprain of the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies. He will sit out tonight’s game against the Houston Rockets and will be examined further when the team returns home Wednesday.

Coach Alvin Gentry had no immediate plan to replace Olowokandi for the short term. “I have no idea,” he said. “I haven’t even thought about it.”

Olowokandi had four points and six rebounds in 22 minutes Monday, leaving after a Memphis player ran into his knee as he attempted a third-quarter shot. He said he expects to undergo an MRI exam later this week.

“That’s the way it goes,” Olowokandi said. “I’ve played four seasons without an injury, but we’ll see.”

Sean Rooks replaced Olowokandi down the stretch, making two key jump shots early in the fourth quarter. It’s possible Rooks could be Olowokandi’s replacement tonight. Gentry also could play power forward Elton Brand at center.

The Clippers are already without small forwards Lamar Odom, who has a sprained right wrist and ankle, and Corey Maggette (dislocated fingers and a mild concussion).

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As promised, Gentry started rookie Tremaine Fowlkes at small forward and brought Darius Miles into the game as a reserve.

TONIGHT

at Houston, 5:30 PST

Site--Compaq Center.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 28-30, Rockets 20-35.

Record vs. Rockets--1-1.

Update--Houston guard Steve Francis is the only player to lead his team in points (an average of 21.8), rebounding (7.6) and assists (6.6). Francis had 11 points, nine rebounds and eight assists Saturday against the Boston Celtics, the Rockets’ second consecutive victory.