No Odom Means More Maggette

HOUSTON â€”  A short-handed Clipper team arrived Wednesday night knowing they will have their work cut out for them tonight when they try to win their third in a row over the Rockets, who still have playoff hopes.

Without Lamar Odom, suspended for substance abuse, the Clippers probably will start Corey Maggette at small forward. Although Odom leads the team in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots and minutes played, Coach Alvin Gentry is confident Maggette will step up in his place.

“[Maggette]’s taking his time now,� Gentry said. “When he doesn’t rush things and just allows things to happen in the flow of the game, he’s always been a very good player. The only time he gets in trouble is when he tries to force the issue. . . . He’s been a real solid player for us. He’s probably our biggest competitor.�

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Veteran power forward Cherokee Parks will also have to assume more responsibility with Odom out for the next five games.

“You just have to assert yourself to get rebounds and your hands on the ball,� Parks said. “I have to always work to get some shots. Even if I go three for eight, as long as they are eight good shots, I’m making the defense react to me. I’m feeling a whole lot better.�

TONIGHT

at Houston, 5:30 PST

Channel 9

* Site--Compaq Center.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Clippers 22-41, Rockets 33-28.

* Record vs. Rockets--2-0.

* Update--After losing seven consecutive games at Houston, the Clippers won, 101-84, at Compaq Center on Feb. 1. They also defeated Houston, 77-74, at Staples Center last November. Former Clipper Maurice Taylor is averaging 12.5 points and six rebounds against his old team this season.