Injuries Toughen Laker Rematch

Although the Clippers say they don’t look ahead on the schedule, they know when the Lakers are up next.

It’s not business as usual for the Clippers against their in-house rival, and owner Donald T. Sterling and his team were especially upbeat Nov. 18 after a 97-91 victory over the Lakers in the first meeting this season at Staples Center.

When the teams face each other again tonight, the Clippers will try for their fourth consecutive victory in a series the Lakers have dominated, 124-42.

“The one thing about this team is that we’ve got character; we’re always going to play hard no matter who we’re playing or where,” point guard Sam Cassell said. “We feel real good about how we’ve played, we haven’t played as well as we can play because we have some key guys out, but we’ve shown everybody what the Clippers are about.”

Starting small forward Corey Maggette scored 21 points in first game against the Lakers and defended Kobe Bryant well. Bryant scored a game-high 36 points but missed 23 of 35 field-goal attempts.

With Maggette and backup center Zeljko Rebraca sidelined indefinitely, the Clippers will turn to others in an attempt to fill the void on offense.

“We don’t have anybody on our team who can replace what Corey Maggette brings to this team,” Cassell said. “We don’t have anybody else who can just go out there and give that to us right now, so we’re just trying to tread water until he returns.”

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Backup small forward-shooting guard Quinton Ross, who had been sidelined because of a sore back, returned to the lineup and scored four points in 17 minutes in a 118-114 loss to the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena.

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The Clippers, who recently waived point guard Howard Eisley to open a roster spot, are still pursing frontcourt help, Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

“There are things out there we’re exploring,” he said. “We’re going to keep talking about it and see what happens.”

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TONIGHT

vs. Lakers, 7:30

Site -- Staples Center.

TV -- Channel 5.

Radio -- 1150.

Records -- Clippers 17-13, Lakers 16-16.

Record vs. Lakers -- 1-0.

Update -- Power forward Elton Brand had 23 points and 14 rebounds and blocked five shots Nov. 18 in a 97-91 victory over the Lakers. The Lakers shot 38.8% from the field.