No Need to Put Extra Pressure on Maggette

Coach Alvin Gentry made it clear Friday that he does not expect Corey Maggette to score 28 points in every game while he fills in for Lamar Odom as the Clippers’ starting small forward. Odom is expected to be sidelined at least three weeks because of a sprained right wrist.

Gentry said he does expect Maggette to play sound defense, rebound well and give the Clippers a spark. Gentry knows 28-point games, such as the one Maggette put together Wednesday against the Lakers, will be rare.

“When he’s on a roll, we’re going to go to him,” Gentry said. “I’ve never discouraged a guy from shooting. You can’t take away opportunities from a guy.” Gentry was asked about a private conversation he had with Maggette after Tuesday’s workout at L.A. Southwest College. He wouldn’t divulge details but smiled and said, “We had a nice talk.”

Maggette did not score in 17 minutes Monday against the Denver Nuggets. But he outscored Kobe Bryant by a point in the Clippers’ 95-90 victory Wednesday over the Lakers. Maggette established a career high by scoring 28 points earlier this season against Toronto’s Vince Carter.

“He’s had some good games and some games where he’s struggled,” Gentry said of Maggette, averaging 11 points and 3.5 rebounds. “Most of the time, he’s been pretty effective for us.”

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TONIGHT

vs. Dallas, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KXTA (1150).

Records--Clippers 22-21, Mavericks 31-12.

Record vs. Mavericks (2000-01)--0-4.

Update--Dallas has won six consecutive, including a 104-97 victory Thursday over the Nuggets at Denver, and 11 in a row over the Clippers. The Clippers’ victory Wednesday over the Lakers extended their winning streak at Staples Center to five, a season high.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.

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Elliott Teaford