Livingston Lost Again, Likely for a Month

Another injury claimed another Clipper guard.

Rookie Shaun Livingston probably will be sidelined at least into the middle of March after an MRI exam Wednesday showed torn cartilage in his right shoulder, an injury he suffered while making a steal Tuesday night against the Orlando Magic.

Livingston, who had returned to the lineup Sunday after sitting out 39 games because of a dislocated right kneecap, joins Marko Jaric and Kerry Kittles on the sidelines. Jaric and Kittles, who returned to Los Angeles during the Clippers’ eight-game trip, aren’t expected back before next month either.

“It’s unbelievable,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said of the injury wave.

“When Jasen calls me,” the coach added, referring to trainer Jasen Powell, “I don’t even want to answer the phone.”

Livingston was devastated.

“I was feeling good,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper as he sat behind the baseline before Wednesday night’s game against the Miami Heat. “Coach obviously felt great about the situation. It’s disappointing.”

The rookie, who drew raves from Dunleavy after finishing with 10 points and a season-high nine assists in Sunday’s loss at Toronto, was injured when he ripped the ball away from the Magic’s Pat Garrity in the first quarter Tuesday.

“I just tried to pull,” Livingston said, “and my body went one way and my arm was still stuck.” He played the second half with a brace but was held out Wednesday after he was examined by Heat physician Harlan Selesnick.

“He’s at too much risk to play with it,” Dunleavy said. “It could get pulled away, and then you’re talking about surgery and being out four to six months.”

Livingston will still be examined by Clipper physician Tony Daly.

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The Clipper-Denver Nugget game March 5 at Staples Center was moved from noon to 7:30.