They Are Losing More Than Games

Two Clipper players were put on the injured list before Saturday’s game against Atlanta as a result of injuries suffered during Friday’s game against the Lakers.

Rookie center Michael Olowokandi, who suffered a left ankle sprain late in Friday’s 115-100 loss, and backup guard Pooh Richardson, who also sprained his left ankle in the game, were put on the injured list.

“Obviously, this is not the best situation for me,� said Olowokandi, who is averaging 9.7 points and 7.8 rebounds. “I had ankle sprains before, but this one was more serious. If you saw the replay, you could see how my ankle rolled over.�

To fill out their active roster, the Clippers removed center Stojko Vrankovic and rookie forward Brian Skinner from the injured list. Vrankovic had played in one game before being inactivated because of back spasms and Skinner had been sidelined because of a knee sprain.

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Sherman Douglas started his third consecutive game Saturday but left after the first quarter because a groin injury that he had been playing with the last week tightened. . . . Backup center Keith Closs, who did not play Friday because of conduct detrimental to the team, played 16 minutes against the Hawks.