Brand Awaits Fate

Elton Brand’s status for the remainder of the season will be determined today, after the Clippers consult with Brand’s orthopedic surgeon. Brand has been sidelined because of a stress fracture above his left ankle since Feb. 28.

In the best-case scenario, Brand will be cleared to play and will be on the court against the Utah Jazz tonight at Staples Center. In the worst-case scenario, the Clippers will play their final nine games without their top scorer and rebounder.

“If Elton’s ready and he’s cleared to play, we’re going to play him,” said Dennis Johnson, who has not had Brand since taking over for Alvin Gentry as coach March 3. “I don’t think that would be rushing him back. He’s been doing all his rehab stuff and all that and he’ll be ready to play.”

If he’s cleared by Craig Morgan, a Wilmington, Del., orthopedist who also performed arthroscopic surgery on Brand’s right knee Sept. 26, there is no telling how long or how well Brand will be able to play. Brand sat out most of training camp after damaged cartilage was removed, but has averaged 18.4 points and 11.2 rebounds.

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Meanwhile, the news remains murky on Michael Olowokandi’s comeback attempt after the surgery on his left knee Feb. 3. Olowokandi still cannot run and it appears unlikely he will play again this season, although nothing had been ruled out as of Monday afternoon.

“Yes, he is progressing and he’s ahead of where he was last week or the week before,” Johnson said when asked how Olowokandi’s rehab is going at a Culver City sports medicine clinic. “I know he’s doing his work.”

Asked if he expected Olowokandi to play again this season, Johnson said, “I can’t answer that.”

TONIGHT

vs. Utah, 7:30

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- XTRA (690/1150), KTNQ (1020, Spanish).

Records -- Clippers 23-50, Jazz 43-30.

Record vs. Jazz -- 1-2.

Update -- The Clippers last defeated the Jazz twice in a season in 1992-93.