Skinner Moves a Little Closer to Return Date

He didn’t have the same speed or jumping ability. Nor did he move around the court as he wanted. But power forward Brian Skinner said his first full-contact practice since he injured his left ankle in December was encouraging.

“I’m glad to get back into it,� he said. “I’m starting to practice now and I’m able to do some half-court stuff.�

Skinner has sat out 21 games because of a severe sprain he suffered against the Lakers on Dec. 14.

“It’s getting there. Before, all I could do was lay on my back and not be able to walk on it or anything. . . . Now I’m able to run on it a little bit and twist on it some and do some turns.�

But don’t look for Skinner to play tonight when the Clippers play host to Golden State at Staples Center.

“It’s not ready,� Skinner said. “There is some pain still. I want to be able to go out there and . . . help the team but not necessarily just be out there and be another body.�

The Clippers are not setting any return date for Skinner but they clearly would like to see it sooner than later. Because Coach Chris Ford is reluctant to give significant time to veteran big man Anthony Avent, the Clippers remain vulnerable inside when center Michael Olowokandi and power forward Maurice Taylor get into foul trouble.

“We’ll have to wait and see how [Skinner] feels tonight and tomorrow,� Ford said. “We just have to continue to talk with him. I don’t know where this is going to lead but it’s a positive to have him back on the court.�

TONIGHT

vs. Golden State

7:30, Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 11-32, Warriors 9-32.

* Record vs. Warriors--0-2.

* Update--The Clippers are coming off a victory over New Jersey on Saturday. After losing 11 in a row, the Warriors have won three of their last five.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.