Richardson’s Return Not Ruled Out

Reversing his stance from two days earlier, Clipper Coach Mike Dunleavy indicated Tuesday that guard Quentin Richardson would return this season.

Dunleavy said Sunday that it was “probably doubtful” that Richardson would come back, saying it wouldn’t be worth the risk to bring him back for a few meaningless games. Richardson, due to become a restricted free agent July 1, has sat out all but one of the Clippers’ last 10 games because of a back injury.

But Richardson apparently wants to play again, if for no other reason than to show potential suitors that his injury is not debilitating.

He was in Miami this week seeing a back specialist and is eligible to come off the injured list before Sunday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, the first of three games in four nights for the Clippers to end the season.

The Clippers’ third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, Richardson has been absent from the team since March 27, apparently seeking other medical opinions. He was unavailable for comment Tuesday, and his agent did not return calls.

“The idea was to get checked out,” Dunleavy said. “He wound up seeing probably three or four doctors. Hopefully, everybody’s comfortable with the diagnosis. I think there’s a chance he could come back and play at some point.”

Is it worth the risk?

“He’ll have to come back to practice first,” Dunleavy said. “But if he’s saying he’s OK, he’s OK ... and he can play.”

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Elton Brand was fined $5,000 by the NBA for criticizing the officials after Sunday’s 97-92 loss to the Utah Jazz. It wasn’t the first time he has criticized the officiating; Brand has seven technical fouls this season but didn’t get one Sunday.

TONIGHT

vs. Houston, 7:30, Fox Sports Net 2

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- XTRA (690/1150).

Records -- Clippers 27-51, Rockets 42-35.

Record vs. Rockets -- 0-3.

Update -- Chris Wilcox and Bobby Simmons returned to practice but are listed as doubtful for the Clippers, who have lost 11 in a row and 19 of 21. The Rockets have lost five in a row and six of seven after a 97-90 loss Tuesday at Golden State. Yao Ming has averaged 19.3 points and 10 rebounds against the Clippers this season, making nearly 60% of his shots.

Tickets -- (800) 462-2849.