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Wilcox Becomes Latest Casualty

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Times Staff Writer

The Clippers, already dealing with injuries to key players, added another to the list Tuesday, declaring center Chris Wilcox out indefinitely because of a stress reaction in his lower right leg.

According to a team statement, Wilcox began experiencing discomfort in the leg a week and a half ago. He underwent an MRI exam Tuesday, which revealed a weakened area of the bone in his right leg.

The Clippers, who released the information Tuesday night, would not make Coach Mike Dunleavy available for comment.

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They are already playing without guards Kerry Kittles (bulging disk), Marko Jaric (stress fracture in right foot) and Shaun Livingston (dislocated right kneecap). Jaric is out at least four more weeks. Livingston is not expected back for at least a month. Kittles is out indefinitely.

With Wilcox injured, the Clippers are without four of the players they had projected as their top eight when the season began. Wilcox, who is averaging 10 points and five rebounds, will be reevaluated weekly.

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Livingston went through light drills during practice, his first workout with the team since he was injured during practice Nov. 22. He participated in the shooting drills and a light cardiovascular workout.

“This helps get my confidence back and gets me back into things,” Livingston said.

“But I’m not going to rush back. It has to be 100%. If this happens again, it’ll be my season.”

Livingston, who jumped from Peoria (Ill.) Central High to the NBA this season, is on a short leash.

“I work out until I feel pain and then I quit,” he said.

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The Clippers will have a new reserve point guard today but are being coy as to who that will be.

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NBA sources said a deal to sign journeyman Anthony Goldwire was so close Monday that the Clippers had already put his name on a jersey. But Dunleavy would say only that the team would sign a point guard by tonight’s game against Portland.

“There are three names that we like,” said Dunleavy, adding that the delay was due in part to “some negotiations.”

Goldwire played two scoreless minutes for Milwaukee before being waived earlier this season.

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TONIGHT

vs. Portland, 7:30, FSNW2

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- XTRA (690, 1150).

Records -- Trail Blazers 14-15, Clippers 15-15.

Record vs. Trail Blazers -- 0-1.

Update -- This is the closest thing to a gimme the Clippers will have for the next two weeks -- and it’s no sure thing. The Trail Blazers already have beaten the Clippers once this season, but the combined winning percentage of teams in the Clippers’ next nine games is .758. That stretch includes two games with Seattle and one each with Phoenix, San Antonio and Miami, all division leaders.

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