Wilcox Falls Further Out of the Rotation

Chris Wilcox, still a Clipper starter as recently as Saturday night, played only four minutes in Tuesday night’s loss at Utah, one day after losing his place among the first five.

His scoring has fallen off markedly over the last few weeks, but his demotion had little to do with that, Coach Mike Dunleavy said Thursday.

“Everything we do from a standpoint of substitutions has really more to do with our defense and rebounding,” Dunleavy said. “Offense kind of comes into the equation almost last....

“That’s a big key for him: He’s got to defend and he’s got to rebound.... If you’re not defending, if you’re not rebounding, we’ll make a move.”

Wilcox said he was surprised by the sudden turn of events.

“But it’s the league,” he said, shrugging. “Anything can happen; you’ve got to deal with it. You have ups and downs in the league. Every day the sun ain’t going to shine on your end....

“I’m the same person, still working hard, still trying to do what I’ve been doing. Hopefully, it will work out for the best.”

He said that he and Dunleavy had spoken about the situation.

“I’ve got to wait my turn,” he said. “When I get into the game, I’ve got to be ready and just stay focused. I can’t let not playing get me down.... I just go with the flow, man. Whatever happens, happens, you know?”

*

Elton Brand, a crimson blotch discoloring his left eye after taking a finger Tuesday, said it was suggested to him that he wear protective eyewear.

“But I don’t know,” he said, laughing. “I have to look cool out there. But if it’s [a choice of] protecting my eyes or looking cool, I might have to wear the goggles. We’ll see.... Maybe I can get them tinted or something.”

He practiced Thursday and said he would play tonight.

TONIGHT

at Minnesota, 5 PST

Site -- Target Center, Minneapolis.

Radio -- XTRA (690/1150).

Records -- Clippers 11-10, Timberwolves 14-8.

Record vs. Timberwolves -- 0-1.

Update -- The Clippers, 0-4 against teams that made the Western Conference playoffs last season, have lost their last three games and four of five, a tailspin that started with a 107-100 overtime loss to the Timberwolves on Dec. 4 at Staples Center.