Maggette Is Expected to Be Back Tonight

Clipper forward Corey Maggette, on the injured list because of two dislocated bones in his right hand, is expected to play tonight for the first time since Feb. 22.

While he was sidelined because of the hand injury, he also underwent arthroscopic surgery on his sore left knee.

Maggette was mentally prepared to play earlier this week, but Coach Alvin Gentry and the team’s medical staff decided he should practice with his teammates for a few days before playing.

Maggette acknowledged his hand is not yet 100%, but said his knee is better than it was at the start of the season.

The Clippers have missed Maggette’s hard-nosed style of play, particularly on defense.

While filling in for the injured Lamar Odom at small forward, Maggette was assigned to guard the opposition’s top players.

With Maggette and Odom sidelined, the Clippers turned to Tremaine Fowlkes, who was playing in the minor league National Basketball Development League until Maggette injured himself punching the scorer’s table during a loss Feb. 21 to the Orlando Magic.

TONIGHT

at Phoenix, 6 PST

Site--America West Arena.

Radio--KSPN (1110), 7, delay.

Records--Clippers 36-36, Suns 33-38.

Record vs. Suns--2-1.

Update--Phoenix, out of playoff contention, has won three consecutive games, one a victory Wednesday over the Lakers. Shawn Marion had 32 points against the Lakers. He also had 32 points in a victory March 23 over the Clippers at Staples Center. The Clippers beat the Suns in their first two games this season.