Maggette Expected Back Friday

Swingman Corey Maggette is expected to return to the lineup Friday against the Utah Jazz at Salt Lake City.

The seven-year veteran, sidelined the last 38 games while recovering from a left foot injury, received medical clearance to participate in practice Tuesday and appeared to fare well in half- and full-court scrimmages at the Spectrum Health Club in El Segundo, Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

The fastbreak hasn’t been as effective with Maggette sidelined, but the Clippers said help is around the corner.

“He looked pretty good in everything we were doing,” Dunleavy said. “We’re going to have to wait to talk to the doctors today, and see how he’s feeling to gauge it, but there is a chance for us to have him against Utah.”

Maggette, averaging 21.7 points in 13 games, sat out the first four games because of a hamstring injury, and then suffered a separated ligament in his left foot Dec. 5 against the Miami Heat.

He said last week he might return tonight against the New Orleans Hornets, “but that’s probably not going to happen,” Dunleavy said.

Friday would be fine with Maggette’s teammates.

“No doubt,” power forward Elton Brand said. “We’ve been looking forward to Corey coming back for a long time now, we really need him, so whatever day would be great, just as long as it’s soon.”

Said point guard Sam Cassell: “Corey Maggette is such a big part of this team ... we need Corey Maggette.”

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Center Chris Kaman (sprained left ankle) sat out Monday’s victory over the Charlotte Bobcats and is listed as day-to-day. The third-year player is averaging career highs of 11.3 points and 9.3 rebounds.... Swingman Quinton Ross is not expected to play tonight. The team’s top perimeter defender has sat out the last six games because of back problems.

TONIGHT

vs. New Orleans, 7:30, FSN West

Site -- Staples Center.

Radio -- 1150, 830.

Records -- Clippers 32-23, Hornets 31-26.

Record vs. Hornets -- 0-1.

Update -- Standout rookie point guard Chris Paul is among the main reasons the surprising Hornets would be seeded sixth in the Western Conference if the playoffs began today. The former Wake Forest All-American is averaging 16.3 points, 7.7 assists and 2.23 steals. The Hornets defeated the Clippers, 102-89, on Dec. 14 at Oklahoma City.