Jaric Is the First to Return

Marko Jaric returned to the Clipper lineup Monday night, the first of the team’s walking wounded to find his way back onto the court.

How happy were the Clippers to finally have him back?

“Getting anybody back is good,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

Corey Maggette, who has sat out the last two games because of a bruised left foot, should be next, probably returning Wednesday night against the Lakers. Chris Wilcox, sidelined since Jan. 2 because of a stress reaction his lower right leg, might also be able to play against the Lakers.

That would still leave Kerry Kittles and Shaun Livingston out of commission, but for the Clippers at least it would be an encouraging start.

“Obviously, I’d like to sit there and say, ‘Hey, we’ve got them all healthy, let’s really see what we can do,’ ” Dunleavy said. “But it is what it is. We just plug guys in and try to figure out a way to use them that gives us a chance.”

Jaric, a starter in the Clippers’ first 23 games, hadn’t played since Dec. 19, sitting out 17 games because of a stress fracture in his right foot.

Asked what the Clippers missed most in the point guard’s absence, Dunleavy said, “Just him being active.... His hustle out there. His outside shooting.”

To make room for Jaric on the active roster, the Clippers again put Mamadou N’Diaye on the injured list, this time because of back spasms, the team said.

Kittles, limited to 11 games because of a variety of injuries, hasn’t played since suffering a strained groin Jan. 17. “Kittles in a sense is the worst of the group,” Dunleavy said, “because he hasn’t really improved to the point where he can run yet.” No timetable has been given for his return.

Livingston, sidelined for more than two months because of a dislocated right kneecap, is expected to return next month.