Now It’s Best From the East Awaiting

After being beaten twice by the Lakers, who have the league’s best record, the Clippers will try to end their four-game losing streak tonight against Indiana, which has the best record in the Eastern Conference.

The Pacers drubbed the Clippers by 18 points last month at Indianapolis, have won seven straight and are the second-hottest team in the league, behind the Lakers.

“They are on a roll and are playing very well,” Coach Chris Ford said after the Clippers’ first regular-season practice at Staples Center on Friday. “Good for us.”

The key for the Clippers will be shutting down the Pacers’ transition game and not giving too many open three-point opportunities to Sam Perkins and Reggie Miller.

“It’s a challenge,” Ford said. “Each guy has got to come ready to [play]. Whoever they are matched up with can put the ball in the basket.”

Because Perkins is not your normal big man playing on the perimeter, Ford may use power forward Maurice Taylor in the middle more and play taller Michael Olowokandi and Keith Closs when Rik Smits is on the floor for the Pacers.

“When Sam is knocking down threes, that poses us a lot of problems,” Ford said. “Most [centers] defensively . . . are in no-man’s land because they are always turning their head or sagging too far off.”

Tonight

vs. Indiana, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Staples Center.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Clippers 9-22, Pacers 21-9.

* Record vs. Pacers--0-1.

* Update--Led by Taylor with an 18-point average, the Clippers have four players scoring more than 13 points a game. Rookie Lamar Odom is averaging 17, guard Derek Anderson 16.6 and swingman Tyrone Nesby 13.1. Guard Reggie Miller leads Indiana in scoring at 19.2. Fans should be aware of an auto show at the L.A. Convention Center and are advised to arrive early.

* Tickets--(213) 480-3232.