Cassell has to sit in second half

Sam Cassell sat out the second half because of back spasms Wednesday night in the Clippers’ 104-103 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center.

He scored seven points in six minutes off the bench while helping the Clippers take a 65-52 halftime lead, but at halftime told team trainer Jasen Powell that his back wasn’t cooperating.

Back pain sidelined Cassell in the Clippers’ victory over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, and he was on the inactive list for three of six games on the 10-day trip. Cassell is listed as day to day, Powell said.

“It’s like I keep saying, my body just hasn’t been right all season, but I’m going to keep going as long as I can for this basketball team,” said Cassell, in his 14th season. “I know what my guys need from me ... they need me to be out there making shots. That’s what I’m trying to do.

“If I tear something or if I hurt myself, so what? That’s not what I’m thinking about. I just want to help this basketball team get into the playoffs. That’s what every guy here needs to be doing right now.”

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Although X-rays of Tim Thomas’ bruised elbow were negative, the long-range shooter sat out Wednesday.

Thomas suffered the injury after landing on a TV camera against the Bulls.

“Just the actual contact, and not really having the time to get real treatment and rest it, that was the problem,” Thomas said. “But it should be OK for the next [game]. I think it will be.”

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With Cassell in pain after the first half and Thomas in the training room because of a sore elbow, James Singleton got an opportunity to contribute.

In 11 minutes, Singleton had six points and four rebounds, and provided energy on defense.

“I never skip a beat,” Singleton said. “If I sit down 10, 20 games, it doesn’t matter. When I get in the game, I’m always ready.”

jason.reid@latimes.com