It’s Time to Pick Up Pace

January figures to be pivotal for the Clippers, who were 6-8 in December. The Clippers are 12-19 overall and in last place in the Pacific Division.

“I think we’ll be OK if we could just get everybody healthy at the same time,” Coach Alvin Gentry said, referring to the string of injuries that has ended the team’s hopes for a fast start. “One guy gets hurt as another is coming off the injured list, then another guy gets hurt as another guy is coming off the list.

“The season is coming to a critical stage. We have to start winning games.”

The only Clipper to play every game has been backup guard Keyon Dooling. Each member of the starting five, plus several key substitutes, has had to sit out because of injuries. Lamar Odom returned Saturday after an 11-month layoff because of ankle and wrist injuries.

Gentry’s shuffling of players because of injuries has taken its toll.

“It’s just a matter of everyone blending in,” he said. “It’s definitely a factor, especially when you consider Lamar never really played with Elton Brand. There were only about 10 games last season when Lamar was healthy.”

Gentry was impressed with Odom’s 21-point, eight-rebound performance Saturday against the Golden State Warriors.

“I think he’s capable of playing much, much better even than that,” Gentry said. “I like the fact that he got us eight rebounds. I think he can be a double-digit rebounder and take some of the pressure off Elton and Michael [Olowokandi].”

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Gentry offered this response to reporters asking about his New Year’s resolution: “My resolution is for us to start playing the way we’re capable of playing and that’s mentally and physically.”