Kaman, Mobley Sit Out With Assorted Ailments

Center Chris Kaman and swingman Cuttino Mobley sat out Sunday night’s 114-98 loss to the Seattle SuperSonics because of injuries, Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

Kaman has been slowed recently because of a knee injury, and Mobley has had ankle soreness.

With the Western Conference playoffs starting Saturday, the Clippers said they need time to heal.

“I’ve never experienced the playoffs, so it’s really important to me to go into the playoffs healthy,” Kaman said. “Supposedly it’s a more physical game, and if that’s the case, I’ve got to be ready.”

Kaman had 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocked shots in Friday’s 101-97 victory over the SuperSonics at KeyArena.

The three-year veteran said he underwent an MRI exam after practice Thursday in Seattle. It revealed some swelling around a muscle in the back of his knee, “but everything is good structurally.”

Kaman has played in 77 games and is averaging 11.9 points and 9.7 rebounds. He’s shooting 52.1% from the field and 76.8% from the free-throw line.

“I was actually not going to play the last game because it was hurting so much,” Kaman said, “but there’s not as much pressure now.”

The Clippers have clinched home-court advantage against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs. Of course, they still haven’t clinched the sixth-seeded postseason position, necessary for the Clippers to open against No. 3 Denver.

Mobley, who sat out two games earlier in the season because of ankle discomfort, had one of his best shooting performances in Friday’s victory at Seattle.

The eight-year veteran made his first seven shots, including four three-pointers, and finished seven for 10 with 18 points.

Despite playing with a severely damaged index finger on his shooting (left) hand, Mobley has been productive in his first season with the Clippers, averaging 14.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and three assists in 77 games.

“The reason I came here is because I saw the potential this team had,” said Mobley, who signed as a free agent in the off-season. “When we play the way we’re supposed to play, this team can do great things.”

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Swingman Corey Maggette, sidelined the last six games because of a herniated disk, is expected to accompany the team on its season-ending two-game trip to Memphis and Dallas.

Maggette’s condition has improved so much that team medical personnel have decided he does not need a second epidural injection, a Clipper spokesman said.

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After opening introductions, Sam Cassell took the microphone and thanked Clipper fans for their support.

He singled out actor Billy Crystal, a longtime season-ticket holder, and told the crowd they would be needed even more in the playoffs.