McInnis Misses Practice, Start

Clipper point guard Jeff McInnis missed the morning shoot-around and did not start Monday’s game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Earl Boykins took his spot, making his first start of the season.

“It angers me,� Coach Alvin Gentry said when asked about the latest in a string of incidents this season. “It disappoints me. It’s all about being a part of a team. I think it’s happening too often. The guys have to make sure, at the midway point of the season, that these things get eliminated.�

Last week, Elton Brand, Obinna Ekezie and Corey Maggette were fined after arguing and fighting in the team’s hotel lobby in Minneapolis in view of guests. The week before, Lamar Odom missed the team’s bus to a game in Charlotte and did not start against the Hornets.

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Odom sat out Monday for the second game in a row because of a badly sprained right wrist. He has been sidelined for five games total after suffering the injury Dec. 16 against the Detroit Pistons.

It’s uncertain whether he will play Wednesday against the Lakers. The team’s plan is to give the wrist time to heal before beginning the stretch drive after next month’s all-star break.

“I think I came back too fast the first time,� said Odom, averaging 13.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 29 games. “I do want to be healthy and play down the stretch. It’s been frustrating trying to play with one hand. The pain is just too much. At one point, I was able to deal with it. Right now it hurts too much.�

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The start of the Clippers’ game Feb. 2 at Atlanta has been changed to 4 PST and their Feb. 3 game at Boston has been changed to noon PST. The moves were made to avoid a conflict with the Super Bowl on Feb. 3.

Elliott Teaford