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Defense becomes a concern amid injury-related absences

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Times Staff Writer

Last season, the Clippers finished first in the league in blocked shots at 6.13 a game, first in fewest fastbreak points given up at 9.79 and fourth in opponent field-goal percentage at 43.5%.

Defense was among the keys to the best season in franchise history, and the Clippers say they have the potential to be even better this season. However, it might take them awhile to get there.

The projected starting lineup has played together in only one of six preseason games because point guard Sam Cassell (strained left calf) and center Chris Kaman (strained left hamstring) have been recovering from injuries. Moreover, forwards Tim Thomas and Aaron Williams are new to the team and also have been slowed by injuries.

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“You’d like to have everybody back and out there together so you can see where you are on defense,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “You go through your sets and do what you can, but there’s really no way to duplicate being on the floor and working on those areas where you need improvement.”

The Clippers were 27-1 when holding an opponent under 40% shooting last season. In the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets shot better than 40% once in losing a best-of-seven first-round series to the Clippers in five games.

“We know it all starts for us on the defensive end of the floor,” said All-Star power forward Elton Brand. “Our defense is why we had the type of year we did, so it’s a concern when we have a lot of guys out.

“We have a veteran club, guys pretty much know what they’re supposed to do, but you’d like the injuries to heal as soon as possible. You want to have a full complement as soon as you can.”

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Barring a setback, Cassell said he might play Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center.

“I’m coming back soon, probably Wednesday,” he said. “I know my job, it’s easy, I just have to run my team. I just want to make sure I’m ready when I come back.”

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Cassell is beginning his 14th season. In his first season with the Clippers, Cassell averaged 17.2 points and a team-leading 6.3 assists.

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Backup point guard Shaun Livingston is averaging 13.6 points and 3.8 assists and shooting 54.3% from the field. The third-year player worked on his jump shot in the summer.

jason.reid@latimes.com

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