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Race is Close in LA

After a promising start, the Clippers are back to their old ways. However, this time it?s not management?s fault, nor the players. Like so many other teams in the league, LA has also been hit with the injury bug. The Clippers have lost 5 out of their last 6 games. The return of Shaun Livingston has not seen it`s full impact as the Clippers continue on without Corey Maggette, sidelined with a sprained foot.

Take into consideration that they`re also playing without Zeljko Rebraca who fills the role of big man off the bench so admirably. At full strength, the Clippers should be able to climb back up the standings in the Western Conference, but currently they`ve dropped down to the sixth seed, just one game ahead of the surging Los Angeles Lakers.

The Clippers have 3 games left this year, all against teams with losing records (Charlotte, Sacramento and Boston). With the potential to end 2005 with an 18-10, dropping down to 15-13 should they lose all three would be a major let down considering the team`s strong start.