Recasner Is Cut to Save Money

Making the sort of move that long ago established them as the most eccentric team in professional sports, the Clippers waived reserve guard Eldridge Recasner on Monday to avoid having to pay him a guaranteed contract.

Contracts are guaranteed for the rest of the season as of Thursday. However, the Clippers are expected to sign Recasner to a 10-day contract.

The move will save the Clippers money in the long run, but leaves them vulnerable in the backcourt for the short term. Without Recasner for games Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers and tonight against the Washington Wizards, the Clippers have only two point guards--starter Jeff McInnis and backup Earl Boykins.

Keyon Dooling has been sidelined since November because of a badly sprained left ankle. He isn’t expected to be fit to practice until later this month, which means the team will probably sign Recasner to a second 10-day contract.

Recasner will travel with the team, but cannot practice with the Clippers or sit on their bench during games until he is re-signed.

Coach Alvin Gentry on facing Michael Jordan tonight: “He’s the greatest player ever. The guys aren’t going to change the way they play. If anything it [will make] them play harder. These guys thought they’d never have a chance to play against the guy. I don’t think they’ll be in awe. It’s like [Wayne] Gretzky or [John] Elway. You respect them, but you also try a little harder against them because of who they are.”

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TONIGHT

at Washington

Fox Sports Net 2, 4 PST

Site--MCI Center.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 18-16, Wizards 17-14.

Record vs. Wizards (2000-01)--1-1.

Update--Jordan is averaging 24.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He set an MCI Center record with 51 points Dec. 29 against Charlotte, then scored 45 two nights later against New Jersey.

Elliott Teaford