Gentry Plans to Shorten His Rotation

The Clippers will have a different look Friday when they return to Staples Center to play the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Coach Alvin Gentry said he plans to limit the number of players in that game and in those to follow. He has been playing 10 men for most of the season.

The Clippers play four of their next five at home before starting a seven-game trip that will take them to the All-Star break next month. The Clippers’ longest trip sends them to Memphis, Dallas, San Antonio, Atlanta, Boston, New York and Detroit.

“We can’t play 10 guys and I’m not going to try to,” Gentry said. “Somebody’s going to have to sit and not play. I’m trying to play too many people right now. We’re not getting enough consistency. We’ll meet as a coaching staff and we’ll talk about it.”

The most likely candidate to sit is backup center Sean Rooks, who played only 13 minutes Tuesday against Minnesota and missed three shots. It’s uncertain who the other player will be.

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The Clippers’ road woes were a constant source of frustration for them on their six-game trip.

“I’m eager to get home,” Gentry said after the Clippers went 1-5 against Philadelphia, Washington, New Jersey, Charlotte, Toronto and Minnesota. “The road is tough. If we could have found a way to win the Charlotte game [when they squandered an eight-point lead in the final 1:25 and lost in overtime], we could have two wins. That’s not great. We have to continue on our next trip to find a way to put together some good games on the road.

“We’re not happy with a 1-5 record. We’ve got to go home and figure out what we can do better.... We’ve got to get home and regroup before we leave for the next trip.”

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Gentry praised the Timberwolves, who are 28-9 and leading the Midwest Division.

“They’re a heck of a team,” he said. “They have a lot of weapons. They have one great, great player and another one on the verge of being a great player.”

Gentry was referring to Kevin Garnett and Wally Szczerbiak.

“They put pressure on you at all positions,” Gentry continued. “I like their team. They’re playing without Gary Trent and Terrell Brandon and they’re still very effective. When they get those guys back, it will give them an even deeper bench.”

Elliott Teaford