Maggette Is Getting Closer

Forward Corey Maggette on Tuesday completed practice for the first time since suffering a strained left hamstring and said he hoped to play tonight against the Washington Wizards.

“The biggest issue is making sure my hamstring is right and the process of the conditioning,” Maggette said. “We don’t want the hamstring to get fatigued, so we’re just going to see how it goes.”

Coach Mike Dunleavy said he wouldn’t make a decision on Maggette’s status until team trainers evaluated the six-year veteran during today’s morning practice at the MCI Center.

“If I go [today] then that’s a blessing,” Maggette said. “I can’t wait to get on the floor with the guys.

“I hope that happens, but if it’s not this game then it’s definitely the next game.”

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Although the Clippers have started strong, they’re still a work in progress, Dunleavy said.

“First of all, it’s going to take us 20 games, at least, to get a chance to figure out some of our personnel,” he said. “We have to see what works best for certain guys.

“We have to get guys in sync on certain plays, we have to look at different game situations. There’s all kind of stuff.”

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Forward Walter McCarty (cut right thumb) took shots during practice but is not close to returning, Dunleavy said.

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TONIGHT

Washington, 4 p.m. PST, Channel 5

Site -- MCI Center.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Clippers 3-1, Wizards 3-0.

Record vs. Hawks (2004-05) -- 1-1.

Update -- With a win over the Clippers, the Wizards would match the best start in franchise history. The 1974-75 and 1978-79 teams started 4-0. Forward Elton Brand, averaging 20 points, leads the Clippers in scoring. Guards Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley are second and third with averages of 17.5 and 17.3 points.