Clippers travel to North Carolina

Los Angeles, which is tied with Golden State for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, has dropped five straight and the first two contests of the road trip.

Against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Elton Brand posted a season-high 37 points and 10 boards for the Clippers, who fell to 8-23 as the visitor this season. Chris Kaman posted 16 points and nine rebounds, while Corey Maggette and Tim Thomas both added 13 points for the Clippers, who will also visit Charlotte, New Jersey, Chicago and Milwaukee on the swing.

Veteran guard Sam Cassell (groin) remained sidelined for the second straight game and is doubtful for Friday’s game against the Bobcats.

Charlotte, meanwhile, has won two straight since an eight-game skid and will conclude a four-game homestand versus the Clippers. In Wednesday’s 111-108 win over the Sacramento Kings, Matt Carroll shot 4-of-5 from three-point range and scored 22 points for Charlotte, which is 15-17 at Charlotte Bobcats Arena this season.

Raymond Felton added 16 points and eight assists and Jake Voskuhl grabbed 13 rebounds in the win over the Kings.

The Bobcats are 6 1/2 games off the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, and could be without center Ryan Hollins (flu) versus Los Angeles. Hollins is listed as questionable this evening.

Friday’s showdown between Charlotte and Los Angeles is the second and final meeting of the regular season. The Clippers won the first encounter by a 100-93 score on February 26 at the Staples Center.

LA is 5-0 all-time against Charlotte and has won both meetings so far at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.