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Cassell, Clippers take on injury-riddled Bucks

Jan 23, 2007 - 3:38 PM Milwaukee (17-23) at LA Clippers (19-21) 10:30 pm EST

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Milwaukee Bucks probably wish they still had Sam Cassell right about now.

The injury-ravaged Bucks look to snap their three-game skid Tuesday when they visit Cassell and the Los Angeles Clippers.

A 14-year veteran and former All-Star, Cassell spent parts of five seasons in Milwaukee from 1998-2003 and helped lead the Bucks to the Eastern Conference finals in 2001.

Traded from Milwaukee to Minnesota in June 2003, the 6-3 Cassell was dealt to the Clippers two years later and has been instrumental in Los Angeles' resurgence.

Cassell has been outstanding since returning from a foot injury, averaging 19.5 points in his last six games. The veteran point guard scored 21 points and dished out a season-high 14 assists Saturday to pace the Clippers to a 112-91 triumph over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Elton Brand scored a season-high 34 points for Los Angeles, which is 14-7 at home this season.

The Clippers hope to improve that record Tuesday when they host the Bucks, who are playing without starters Michael Redd (knee), Mo Williams (shoulder), Charlie Villanueva (shoulder) and Bobby Simmons, who underwent season-ending ankle surgery last month.

Milwaukee has especially missed its starting backcourt of Redd and Williams, who average a combined 45 points per game.

The Bucks have dropped eight of their last nine contests, including Sunday's 99-95 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Earl Boykins, who was acquired from Denver on January 11 and has replaced Williams as Milwaukee's primary point guard, scored 28 points in the loss.