No X-Rays as Brand’s Elbow Improves

The Clippers decided against sending power forward Elton Brand to get his sore right elbow X-rayed Wednesday. His elbow has improved, although it’s still not 100%. He continues to receive treatments.

Brand is expected to play tonight against the New Jersey Nets, the third stop on the Clippers’ six-game trip. His elbow didn’t keep him from helping to ring the opening bell Wednesday at the American Stock Exchange.

Teammate Corey Maggette, Coach Alvin Gentry and assistant Rex Kalamian joined Brand. They were cheered by traders at the exchange and pressed for autographs.

Later, the players and coaches viewed ground zero in lower Manhattan, site of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. They also visited a nearby fire station.

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As expected, Quentin Richardson was selected to play in the rookies vs. second-season players game during the NBA’s all-star weekend next month in Philadelphia. But Darius Miles was not, which upset Gentry.

“I don’t understand the selection process,” Gentry said. “If it’s something that’s done on stats.... How does anybody select anything based on stats? If the fans don’t select them and the coaches don’t select them.... I think it’s unfair to the kid. He’s worked hard and he’s still only 20 years old.”

Two seasons removed from East St. Louis (Ill.) High, Miles is averaging 8.4 points and 5.5 rebounds. Richardson, who left DePaul after his sophomore season, is averaging 13.6 points and has made 64 of 155 shots from beyond the three-point arc (41.3%).

TONIGHT

at New Jersey, 4:30 PST

Site--Continental Airlines Arena.

Radio--KLAC (570), delayed at 6:30.

Records--Clippers 18-17, Nets 22-11.

Record vs. Nets--0-1.

Update--The Atlantic Division-leading Nets haven’t exactly captured the imagination of local fans at the expense of the struggling New York Knicks, who are 14-20 and in sixth place. Only 8,195 showed up Tuesday at the Meadowlands to watch the Nets defeat the Miami Heat, 104-95. Kenyon Martin served the second game of his two-game suspension for mugging Tracy McGrady of the Orlando Magic last week. Martin is eligible to play tonight. The Clippers lost to Philadelphia and Washington in the first two games of the trip. They also play Friday at Charlotte, Sunday at Toronto and Tuesday at Minnesota. The Clippers are 2-10 on the road.

Elliott Teaford