Feeling Ill, Olowokandi Sits Out Game

Michael Olowokandi was a late scratch for Tuesday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of a case of food poisoning he suffered after eating at a seafood restaurant on New Year’s Eve. He wouldn’t divulge the name of the restaurant.

Olowokandi had played 137 consecutive games since sitting out two because of a sore left knee during the 1999-2000 season, but said that resting Tuesday was the right decision.

“You have to look after yourself,” he said. “I did want to go, but it was a last-minute decision not to play. We’ve got a game [tonight] against Sacramento and one Friday against Denver. I probably would have felt a lost worse [Tuesday] running around on the court.”

With Olowokandi sidelined, the Clippers were without two starters and their top reserve guard. Lamar Odom sat out for the third consecutive game because of a sprained right wrist, and Keyon Dooling remained sidelined by a sprained left ankle. Olowokandi plans to play tonight.

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Eric Piatkowski scored 10 points on three-for-six shooting in 25 minutes, the most he has played since suffering a strained right hip Nov. 30 against the Denver Nuggets.

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There was no immediate word on whether the Clippers exercised their opt-out clause in their six-year Staples Center contract. They faced a Monday deadline to exercise that option, but it’s believed they’re staying since no one connected with the team or the arena had heard otherwise Tuesday.

TONIGHT

at Sacramento, 7

Site--Arco Arena.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 16-14, Kings 23-9.

Record vs. Kings--1-0.

Update--The Kings have won four consecutive games since losing to the Clippers, 101-85, Dec. 22 at Staples Center. Chris Webber, battling a nagging ankle injury, had his season-best 30 points during a 109-94 victory Sunday against the Boston Celtics.