National Television Drought Ends Tonight

The Clippers will end one of the NBA’s longest streaks tonight.

After 176 regular-season games, they will play again on national television. Their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves will be televised on TNT from Staples Center. The last national game featuring the Clippers was more than three years ago, against Sacramento on Nov. 26, 1997.

“I am looking forward to it,” second-year forward Lamar Odom said. “I have never played on national television . . . this will be my first time in [the NBA]. I played on a couple in college but even some of those were regional. It feels good to get ready to play at such a high level.”

For center Michael Olowokandi, this will be his first nationally televised pro game.

“I reflected on it a few times over the past week . . . but it really isn’t anything special,” he said. “Once the ball goes up, you forget you’re on national TV. . . . Obviously, you don’t want to be embarrassed and play like [Clipper] teams of the past. You want to make a positive thing happen for the public to see.”

Even rookie Quentin Richardson realizes the importance of the exposure.

“It will be good to be on the national scene,” he said. “We get a chance to show that we can play and that we’re not the same old Clippers.”

*

It is not uncommon for the Clippers to have veteran center Sean Rooks on the floor in the fourth quarter of games instead of starter Olowokandi. Although he is not considered a strong defender, Rooks has played well enough defensively for Coach Alvin Gentry to use him for key stretches.

“Being around the league you get to know people’s tendencies,” Rooks said. “You can’t always stop them, but you still try and play tough defense and not let them go to their strength so easy.”

Offensively, Rooks has been a positive all season for the Clippers. He is scoring 6.9 points in 22.5 minutes a game, compared to Olowokandi’s seven points in 24 minutes.

*

Richardson, who suffered a left ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to Washington, is questionable for tonight’s game. If he is unable to play, Gentry may turn to Corey Maggette to start at shooting guard. . . . Point guard Jeff McInnis is expected to play after being slowed by food poisoning against the Wizards.

TONIGHT

vs. Minnesota, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2, TNT

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 8-18, Timberwolves 15-10.

* Record vs. Timberwolves--0-1.

* Update--The Clippers are 23-22 all-time against Minnesota but have lost five of the last six meetings. On Dec. 9, they lost at Minnesota, 85-73, with Kevin Garnett leading the Timberwolves with 23 points.

* Tickets--(800) 462-2849.