Brand could sit again over back issues

Back spasms might prompt Elton Brand to sit out his second consecutive game tonight against the Atlanta Hawks.

Playing without their leading scorer and rebounder, the Clippers were routed by the Detroit Pistons, 92-74, on Monday at Auburn Hills, Mich., in the final game of a dispiriting 2-5 trip.

“It was disappointing not being able to be out there helping the team,” said Brand, who averages 20.7 points and 9.2 rebounds. “We were trying to have at least a decent road trip, and maybe we could have if we had won” the last game. “I wanted to get out there.”

Brand received treatment before the Pistons game and briefly participated in pregame warmups, but Coach Mike Dunleavy exercised caution with the two-time All-Star power forward.

Rookie forward Paul Davis replaced Brand on the active list, so Brand could not have played if his back had felt better during the game.

“It started in Toronto with an ankle injury,” Brand said.

“I kind of messed up my gait running. My back is sore because I was compensating.”

Team trainer Jasen Powell continued to work with Brand on Tuesday and might recommend that Brand rest again tonight even if his condition has improved.

If Brand does not play, he would have another six days off until the Clippers return from the All-Star break to face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday Feb. 20.

“It’s nothing major, but I’m not sure about Atlanta,” Brand said. “I’m trying to get back for that one.”

*

TONIGHT

vs. Atlanta, 7:30 p.m., FSN Prime Ticket

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- Clippers 25-27, Hawks 20-31.

Record vs. Hawks -- 0-1.

Update -- This is the Clippers’ first game on their home court since Jan. 31 -- they went 2-5 on a 12-day trip -- and their last before the All-Star break.

jason.reid@latimes.com