Barry Says He’s Ready to Return

Guard Brent Barry, who missed his third consecutive game because of a bruised left calf muscle, said he will be in uniform for tonight’s game at Denver.

Barry, the Clippers’ leading scorer (16.1 points a game), was injured when he banged knees with New Jersey Net guard Kerry Kittles in last Friday’s loss at the Pond.

“It’s been frustrating being out, but the team has played great,” Barry said. “Eric [Piatkowski] has played tremendous basketball for us. We have plenty of guys who can play the game.”

Barry, who does not expect to play much in tonight’s game against the Nuggets, said the first real test will be Monday’s practice.

The Magic activated forward Horace Grant, who had missed five games because of a strained left calf, before the game.

Grant, who has scored in double figures seven times, was averaging 10.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists going into the game, then scored 25 points against the Clippers.

TONIGHT

At Denver

* 6 PST

Site--McNichols Arena.

Radio--KEZY-FM (95.9).

Records--Clippers 3-15, Nuggets 1-15.

Record vs. Nuggets (1996-97)--3-1.

Update--The Clippers open a three-game trip against the NBA’s second-worst team. Rookie forward Maurice Taylor has averaged 13.5 points, five rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 24.2 minutes in his last six games. Forward Lamond Murray is shooting a career-best 54.7%, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Rookie point guard Bobby Jackson made a season-best eight of 12 shots, including two of three three-point shots, and scored a team-best 22 points in Friday night’s 96-85 loss to the Indiana Pacers. The Nuggets, who have lost three consecutive games, are without forwards Bryant Stith (left ankle) and Eric Williams.