Forecast Isn’t Good for Trip

PHILADELPHIA -- When the Clippers hit the road last season, the road hit back.

They had a 14-27 road record, which included two losses to the Lakers at Staples Center when the Clippers were designated as the “away” team.

They also lost their first six road games before defeating the Suns at Phoenix on Dec. 18, 2001.

Coach Alvin Gentry isn’t expecting much from the injury-riddled Clippers on a four-game trip that begins tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Clippers also play the New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.

“We’re playing Philly, which was in the NBA Finals two years ago,” Gentry said. “We’re playing New Jersey, which was in the Finals last year. We’re playing Orlando, which thinks its going to be in the Finals this year.... Ask anybody, except maybe the elite teams, if they’re happy winning half of their road games and, yeah, they’ll be happy. I’ll be happy to win any games at this point.”

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Gentry gave veteran coach Don Casey credit for helping the Clippers win Sunday against the Detroit Pistons. Casey gave a tutorial on zone defense to the team a little more than a week ago and it paid off in a 74-72 victory over the Pistons.

The Clippers used a zone on 30 Detroit possessions and gave up only 10 baskets, according to Gentry.

The Clippers rallied from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to record their first victory of the season.

“The guy knows more about zone defenses than anybody in basketball,” Gentry said of Casey. “He visited with the coaches and he watched us work on it on the floor and added some things to it. I don’t like zones, but as a coach you do what you can to win. I wish I had a bag of tricks to reach into.”

TONIGHT

at Philadelphia, 4 PST

Site -- First Union Center.

Radio -- KXTA (1150).

Records -- Clippers 1-2, 76ers 2-1.

Record vs. 76ers (2001-02) -- 0-2.

Update -- Corey Maggette has torn cartilage in his right knee, but will attempt to play. Quentin Richardson’s status is uncertain because of a hyperextended right knee. The Clippers have lost five consecutive games to the 76ers. The Clippers also are winless in five games at the First Union Center. Andre Miller is averaging 15.7 points and 11.3 assists. He was the NBA leader in assists with an average of 10.9 last season while with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 76ers haven’t played since rallying from a 17-point deficit in the third quarter Friday to defeat the New York Knicks, 98-86. Allen Iverson scored 35 points on 12-for-30 shooting to lead Philadelphia. He is averaging 27 points in 41.3 minutes.