New Wrinkle Helps Offense

After showing a stale offense in a recent 1-5 trip, the Clippers found points easy to come by in Monday’s 92-80 victory over Orlando. Coach Alvin Gentry did not make any wholesale changes but one new wrinkle helped.

He instructed point guards Jeff McInnis and Keyon Dooling to go to the basket as an early option, giving the Clippers more room to work. With teams pressuring Clipper point guards all over the floor, Gentry wants his team to pick up the pace by taking the ball to the rim. This sits well with McInnis, who has made 16 of his last 31 shots and has 17 assists to only four turnovers in his last four games.

“All my life, I’ve been able to get the ball into the paint and make things happen,” McInnis said. “When we make shots, we can beat people.”

Gentry also is putting more shooters on the floor with Lamar Odom, who has become a target for double teams. Eric Piatkowski, Quentin Richardson, Sean Rooks and Dooling are considered the Clippers’ best perimeter shooters, so look for them to get more time playing with Odom tonight against the Miami Heat at Staples Center.

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Rookies Darius Miles and Richardson did not practice Tuesday because of flu symptoms. They are listed as day to day. . . . Backup center Keith Closs, suspended since training camp because he was not in condition, has filed a grievance against the Clippers. The case is expected to be heard next month.

TONIGHT

vs. Miami, 7:30

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 7-16, Heat 11-11.

* Record vs. Heat (1999-2000)-- 0-2.

* Update--The Heat has won seven in a row over the Clippers and 10 of the last 12.

Tickets--(800) 462-2849.