Posted on Wed, Mar. 26, 2008

Brand to return for Clippers' final 6 games

DALLAS --

Brand to return for Clippers' final 6 games

Here's some potentially bad news for the Rockets, Nuggets, Lakers, Warriors and Hornets: Elton Brand is close to coming back.After missing most of the season recovering from a surgically repaired left Achilles' tendon, the former All-Star forward said Tuesday that he expects to rejoin the Los Angeles Clippers in time to play the final six games -- all against those teams jockeying for spots in the tightly packed Western Conference playoff race. The Clippers playing spoiler? It might not be a joke.

"Hey, we got spoiled last season, so if we could do that, we'd love to," Brand, a former Duke star, said Tuesday. "We're there to play. If I can be out there and contribute to our team getting some wins, I want to do it." -- Associated Press

Around the league

CLEVELAND: Center Ben Wallace likely will miss tonight's game against New Orleans because of back spasms he's had the past two weeks.

GOLDEN STATE: Chris Webber is ending his comeback attempt and will retire after 15 seasons in the NBA. Webber played nine games before he was sidelined by an injured left knee.

PORTLAND: Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy left Portland's game against Washington on Tuesday after straining his right groin at the end of the first quarter.

SEATTLE: Commissioner David Stern and three NBA owners believe Oklahoma City should be the future home of the SuperSonics. After a tour of the Ford Center and a presentation from Oklahoma City and state officials, Stern said a subcommittee of three owners would suggest approval of the SuperSonics' move by the rest of the league.

-- Observer News Services