Clippers, Nets meet for final time in 2005-06 campaign

(Basketball News) - The Los Angeles Clippers attempt to win their third straight contest when they host the New Jersey Nets tonight at the Staples Center.

Elton Brand poured in 28 points and pulled down nine rebounds to lead the Clippers to a 96-93 win over the Golden State Warriors on Monday at The Arena in Oakland.

Sam Cassell finished with 24 points for the Clippers, who completed a home- and-home sweep by edging the Warriors. Cuttino Mobley contributed 15 points, while Daniel Ewing had 10 off the bench in the victory.

The Clippers are 14-7 as the host this season.

New Jersey plays the second of a four-game road trip. On Monday, Andrei Kirilenko scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz over the Nets, 89-78, at the Delta Center.

Richard Jefferson ended with 32 points in the loss to Utah for the Nets, who have lost five of their last eight games overall. Jason Kidd added 17 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in defeat.

The Nets, who have lost two straight and five of their last six as the visitor, are 10-11 on the road this season. They will visit Portland on Friday and Seattle on Saturday in the finale of the swing.

This is the second and final meeting of the season between the clubs. On December 20th, Carter scored 35 points, pulled down seven rebounds and handed out nine assists to lead the Nets over the Clippers, 99-85, at Continental Airlines Arena.

New Jersey has won four of five and nine of the last 11 meetings in this series. The Nets have lost two of their last three at the Clippers.