Back Injury Sidelines Kittles Indefinitely

In yet another setback to Kerry Kittles’ first season in Los Angeles, the Clipper guard will be out indefinitely with a strained back.

Kittles, who played only 18 minutes in the last two games, will be re-examined by team doctor Tony Daly today and learn the results of the MRI exam he had Thursday. Kittles said he has been bothered by a sore back for the last week and a half.

“I have no idea how it happened,” Kittles said. “I thought it would get better. It hasn’t gotten better. When I get this properly diagnosed and get the treatment for it, then I will be able to know when I can play.”

This is the latest in a lengthy list of health issues Kittles has dealt with since he was acquired from the New Jersey Nets last summer.

Kittles underwent off-season surgery on his right knee, the rehabilitation of which took longer than he anticipated. He sat out the first 10 games, played against Phoenix, then sat out seven more games because of the knee.

In the five games Kittles has played, he has little resembled the scorer he was with New Jersey. He is averaging 5.6 points.

“It’s been frustrating,” Kittles said. “Hopefully, it will get better and I’ll be able to help this team.”

Kittles’ absence has stretched the Clippers’ lineup, especially with the recent foul problems Bobby Simmons has had.

“It didn’t hurt us as much early because I could play Bobby for 40 minutes,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “With Bobby in foul trouble, now we don’t have Kerry on the floor. He’s a guy who shoots the ball well and defends.”

Dunleavy was unaware of Kittles’ back problems until this week.

“He does a lot of good things in practice; it’s just unfortunate he’s been unable to play,” Dunleavy said. “He said [this week] that he has had some numbness in his leg for some time and has just tried to play with it.”

Kittles’ absence limits the team’s options in the backcourt, particularly with rookie guard Shaun Livingston still at least four weeks from returning from a dislocated knee cap.

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The Clippers have lost four consecutive games and five of their last six. Dunleavy says he is not overly concerned about the losing streak, pointing out that three of the games were close.

But the spiral has left the Clippers with an 11-11 record. They were 10-12 at this point a year ago, then had their season slowly deteriorate.

“That is somewhat of a standard,” Dunleavy said. “Everyone looks at teams at .500 and above as being pretty good teams, ones that are ready to do the next step.”

TONIGHT

vs. Memphis, 6:30, FSN West 2

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- XTRA (690/1150).

Records -- Clippers 11-11, Memphis 10-15.

Record vs. Grizzlies -- 0-4 (2003-04).

Update -- The Clippers are seeking their first victory against a 2003-04 playoff team. They are 0-5 against those teams this season. Memphis forward Shane Battier has sat out the last two games with a sprained right ankle. Memphis has a 5-4 record since Mike Fratello was hired as coach.

Tickets -- (800) 462-2849.