With One Winning Streak Broken, Lakers Try to Start Another Against Spurs Tonight

The Lakers, their winning streak broken at nine games by the Clippers Wednesday night, will play the San Antonio Spurs tonight, a team that just broke a losing streak of six games.

Because of injuries, Spur Coach Cotton Fitzsimmons used only eight players in a 115-112 victory Wednesday night over the Atlanta Hawks. Center Artis Gilmore, who has missed eight games with a strained right hamstring, is doubtful for tonight’s game.

So far this season, Spur players have missed 152 games because of injury or illness.

Gilmore’s return, which will probably occur next week, may be vital if the Spurs are to keep from falling out of the playoff picture. San Antonio is half a game ahead of Sacramento for the No. 7 playoff berth.

The Lakers aren’t totally healthy either, but their injury is believed to be minor. Rookie A.C. Green suffered a hip pointer in the 115-114 loss to the Clippers (who play at Denver tonight), but he is expected to be ready to play tonight.