Dooling Is Not Close to Return

Keyon Dooling went through a familiar pregame routine before the Clippers faced the New Jersey Nets on Thursday. He shot some baskets with his teammates, working on his jump shot.

Later, he went into the locker room to undergo treatment on his badly sprained left ankle. He also would get in one more workout, perhaps on a treadmill or an exercise bicycle, in order to maintain his fitness.

“The layoff is killing me,” Dooling said of being sidelined since sustaining the injury Nov. 14 against the Chicago Bulls. “It’s not even close to being ready to play on. I do see progress from where I started. I hope to be on the court in three weeks.”

As a result, the Clippers signed Eldridge Recasner to a 10-day contract. It’s possible they could sign Recasner to a second 10-day deal or pursue other options if Dooling isn’t ready.

Coach Alvin Gentry said it might be mid-March before Dooling is ready to perform at something resembling full speed.

Gentry has consistently adopted a cautious tone when asked about Dooling’s return.

Dooling had to cut short his jump-shooting routine Thursday, grimacing in pain after taking one shot too many. He changed to standing shots thereafter.

“I decided to stop while I was ahead,” Dooling said later. “I was just testing it to see if I could do it. It’s tough because I definitely want to be out there playing.”

TONIGHT

at Charlotte, 4:30 PST

Site--Charlotte Coliseum.

Radio--KXTA (1150), delayed at 6:30.

Records--Clippers 18-18, Hornets 16-18.

Record vs. Hornets--1-0.

Update--Baron Davis, a former standout at UCLA, leads the Hornets by averaging 19.5 points. The Hornets don’t have much depth. This is the fourth game in four cities in five nights for the Clippers, who are 0-3 so far.