Uncertainty Surrounds Brand

The Clippers said Thursday they expect to receive an update soon on the condition of All-Star power forward Elton Brand, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last week.

They’re just not sure when.

They’re not yet certain when Brand will join his teammates to begin rehabilitation exercises with the Clipper medical staff at College of the Desert.

He has not yet been cleared to travel by Craig Morgan, the Wilmington, Del., orthopedic surgeon who performed the procedure, although Coach Alvin Gentry said Thursday he hoped Brand would arrive this weekend.

Brand could be sidelined for up to one month, and his status for the Oct. 30 season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers is uncertain.

Brand, the Clippers’ leading scorer and rebounder last season, injured his knee while training with Team USA in preparation for the World Championship in August.

An initial MRI exam taken after Brand hyperextended his knee trying to block teammate Andre Miller’s shot was negative. A second exam last week revealed a slight tear of the lateral meniscus cartilage.

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More aggressive defense is among Gentry’s top priorities.

“I still say if we’re going to be a running team, some of our points are going to have to come off turnovers,” he said.

“We have to run off turnovers. You can’t run the ball down somebody’s throat by taking the ball out of the net” after the opposition scores.

Of the 96.1 points a game the Clippers gave up last season, he said, “If we could cut 1 1/2 points, it could really help our playoff chances.”

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Cherokee Parks, competing for a backup forward spot, was sidelined for a second consecutive day because of flu-like symptoms.

“The last thing I need for him to do is to be around the guys and have six guys sick,” Gentry said.... Regular-season tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Staples Center box office, TicketMaster and by phone at (800) 4NBA-TIX. They also can be purchased online at www.clippers.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

The Clippers will hold auditions for national anthem singers at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Star Plaza entrance to Staples Center. Information: www.clippers.com.

Seven of eight Clipper exhibitions, starting with Tuesday’s game against the Lakers at Bakersfield, will be broadcast on flagship station KXTA (1150).