Wolves gameday

Last update: December 31, 2007 - 12:50 AM

The 9-19 Clippers have lost six consecutive games, seven of their past eight and 15 of their past 18 after losing Friday at Phoenix in the second half of a home-and-home series with the Suns. They also are 4-9 at Staples Center and still without star Elton Brand, who has not played this season while he continues to recover from October surgery to repair his Achilles' tendon.

Tonight's New Year's Eve game ends the Wolves' four-game West Coast swing and a December in which they played 11 of their 16 games away.

Former Timberwolves guard Sam Cassell has returned after 12 games over nearly a month because of a strained left calf, an injury similar to the one that sidelined Wolves guard Greg Buckner for nine games. This is the fourth game back for Cassell, who scored 21 points and played 37 minutes Friday in Phoenix.

Players to watch: Clippers center Chris Kaman is tied for second in the NBA in double-double games, with 23 this season, two more than Wolves forward Al Jefferson. Kaman is third in the league in rebounding, with a 14-per-game average -- almost double the 7.8 rebounds he averaged last season -- and blocked shots (2.8 a game). He had 22 points and 22 rebounds Friday in Phoenix.

Numbers: This is the Clippers' second six-game losing streak this season. That's also the Wolves' longest this season (Dec. 11-19).

Injuries: Wolves guard Randy Foye (kneecap stress reaction) and center Theo Ratliff (knee surgery) remain out. Brand, forward Tim Thomas (sore left knee), guard Shaun Livingston (dislocated knee) and center Paul Davis (torn knee ligaments) are listed as out for the Clippers.

JERRY ZGODA