Singleton Getting Stops, and Starts

Rookie forward James Singleton has been among the keys to the Clippers’ strong play recently, providing more options for Coach Mike Dunleavy.

Dunleavy said he’s no longer reluctant to turn to Singleton, who earlier in the season would play only in certain matchups.

The 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward has moved up the depth chart because of his energy and determination on defense, which pleases Dunleavy.

Singleton delivered another solid performance Friday, when he started against the Denver Nuggets in a 105-87 Clipper victory at the Pepsi Center. He played well on defense against Denver forward Carmelo Anthony.

Although Anthony scored 25 points, his fifth straight game with at least 20, he had to work hard against Singleton, who fouled out with 3:07 to play.

Singleton was in the starting lineup again Saturday night against Denver at Staples Center, and that’s where he belonged, Dunleavy said.

“I went to Singleton because of the Carmelo matchup; he’s a beast,” Dunleavy said. “I’ve been asking [swingmen Cuttino] Mobley and Quinton Ross to do a lot, and they get beat up, worn down and some of their other production goes down.

“The hope there was for [Singleton] to just give me minutes. Any minutes you give me, where I don’t have to put those other guys on him, I think those are good minutes for me, and I was pleased with his effort.”

Singleton, who has played in 31 games and started five, eagerly accepted the challenge of guarding Anthony in consecutive games.

“My main objective: Slow him down,” Singleton said. “I’m not looking to score, that’s not what it’s about. I just want to maintain my defense on him.”

*

Backup center Zeljko Rebraca, who experienced shortness of breath during pregame warmups last week, said he felt fine and looked forward to practicing with the team on its six-game, 11-day Eastern trip that begins today.

“I feel really good. It was just a little shortness of breath,” he said. “I’m working on my conditioning and seeing what’s going on.”

Physicians have recommended that Rebraca, sidelined 24 games earlier this season because of an irregular heartbeat, not play for three weeks while they attempt to diagnose the problem. He has been cleared to participate in full-contact practice.

“I have been checked out already and everything is great,” he said. “I will see what’s going on in the next 10 days. If everything is going well, my hope is to come back as soon as possible.”

*

Starting small forward Corey Maggette said he hoped to rejoin the team soon, but Dunleavy said he would be pleased if Maggette could play by March 1. Maggette is scheduled to have a cast removed from his left foot Tuesday and begin aquatic therapy.