Livingston Is Facing Big Choice on Surgery

The Clippers’ standing in the Western Conference playoff race will have no bearing on Shaun Livingston’s decision whether to have season-ending surgery on his injured right shoulder, the rookie point guard said Friday.

“I still think we’ve got a good shot at making the playoffs,” Livingston said, “and even though I want to be a part of that in the worst way, it’s still got to be an informed decision that’s best for my future.”

Henry Thomas, his agent, said Thursday that Livingston would continue to rehabilitate for another week or two before deciding.

Livingston, who suffered torn cartilage in the shoulder during a game Feb. 15 against the Orlando Magic, was examined this week by specialists in Chicago and Birmingham, Ala., and planned to share the results and consider his options with General Manager Elgin Baylor and Coach Mike Dunleavy.

One option would be to continue his current rehab regimen, resume playing in a few weeks and see how his shoulder feels, possibly avoiding surgery altogether. Or, if he returned to the lineup and his shoulder didn’t respond, he could schedule surgery then. Surgery would sideline him four to five months, so even if he waited another month, he would still be ready in time for training camp in October.

“Just trying to make a decision,” said Livingston, who was injured in his second game back after sitting out 39 games because of a dislocated right kneecap. Dunleavy also said that the Clippers’ playoff position “shouldn’t be a factor at all” in Livingston’s decision. “It should only be about what’s right for him.”

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The Clippers, who have won seven consecutive home games for the first time since the 1996-97 season, haven’t won eight in a row at home since the 1992-93 season. They haven’t won nine in a row at home since moving from San Diego.

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TONIGHT

vs. Denver, 7:30, Channel 5

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Clippers 26-32, Nuggets 29-29.

Record vs. Nuggets -- 0-1.

Update -- While the Clippers focused on catching the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves in the race for the final Western Conference playoff berth, the Nuggets shot past them. The Nuggets, winners of 12 of their last 16 games, have gone from three games behind the Clippers a month ago to three games ahead.

Tickets -- (800) 462-2849.