Injuries mean Brand could be an All-Star

Elton Brand still could be selected for the All-Star game at Las Vegas.

The seven-year veteran is not among the Western Conference reserves for the Feb. 18 exhibition at the Thomas & Mack Center, but Brand might be chosen to replace center Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets or forward Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz, who are sidelined because of injuries and not expected to play.

Commissioner David Stern, who picks replacement players, is expected to strongly consider Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony and Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard to complete the West’s active roster.

That’s fine with Brand, who said he understands how these things work.

“It comes down to who’s winning the most,” Brand said Friday night before a 100-89 victory over the Boston Celtics at TD Banknorth Garden.

“When you get to this point, guys from the top teams get the most consideration. I’ve always said I thought I would have a good chance to go if we were playing well.

“We didn’t play the way we were capable of playing early on, that really factors in when they’re picking the team, and I totally understand that. It’s all about winning, so that’s just the way it is when you’re talking about the All-Star team.”

Anthony leads the NBA in scoring with an average of 31.3 points, but he sat out 15 games while suspended for his role in a Dec. 16 fight in New York.

With an average of 19.4 points, Howard is the second-leading scorer for the Mavericks, who have an NBA-best 38-9 record.

A two-time All-Star, Brand was selected second-team All-NBA last season after averaging 24.7 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots. This season, Brand is averaging 21 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks.

The Clippers hope the commissioner gives Brand a long look.

“We’ve been improving and his numbers have been coming on strong,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said. “Obviously, it’s probably between those three guys for two spots. I don’t know who else could be in the mix, so I’m hopeful for him.”

jason.reid@latimes.com