Brand can relate to fans’ frustration

It has been a difficult season for the Clippers, and co-captain Elton Brand understands the fans’ frustration.

Fans often seek Brand’s opinions about the team’s problems, he says, but it’s hard for him to figure out too.

The Clippers lost their third in a row, 98-80, Sunday afternoon against the Detroit Pistons at Staples Center and begin a six-game, 10-day trip today.

They’re struggling to remain in playoff contention with 20 games left in the regular season, so Brand should probably expect more questions from fans.

“When I’m around town, fans always ask me, ‘What’s wrong with the team? Why haven’t you guys played well?’ I really don’t know what to say,” Brand said. “I know they’re not happy about it, and I’m definitely not happy about it.

“It’s been really hard. With the talent we have, we never expected to be in this situation, but we’ve had a lot of injuries, which also makes it harder. Not to use that as an excuse, but it’s always difficult when you lose your point guards.”

Shaun Livingston is scheduled to undergo reconstructive knee surgery Tuesday and might miss the 2007-08 season, and fellow point guard Sam Cassell, 37, has been slowed because of injuries.

Cassell recently returned to the lineup after sitting out three games because of a groin injury, but the Clippers aren’t sure “about what Sam’s going to be able to give us” for the rest of the season, Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

Newcomer Jason Hart, signed March 5, has been a good addition to the team, Brand said, but losing Livingston was a major setback.

“Everybody just wants Shaun to be healthy, that’s your biggest concern,” Brand said. “But, obviously, Shaun was a big part of everything we do, and he was really starting to play well.

“Sam is also real important to us, so hopefully he’ll be able to go in the last [20] games. We’re going to need him. Right now, we just have to dig down and find a way to get it done. That’s just where it’s at now.”

jason.reid@latimes.com