Brand is playing like an All-Star

(Basketball News) - Elton Brand’s impressive play has helped lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a surprising 22-16 record. They are in second place in the Pacific Division, just 2 1/2 games beind the first place Phoenix Suns.

Brand leads the Clippers in scoring (24.6 ppg) and rebounding (10.8 rpg). He has scored in double-digits in all 36 games he has played in this season and has collected 24 double-doubles. The Duke product is averaging 22.1 points and 10 rebounds in his last 10 outings.

Los Angeles attempts to win its third straight contest when it hosts the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday at the Staples Center. It 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 its last 11 meetings with the Clippers. The Nets have lost two of their last three at the Clippers.

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. After tonight’s game, they play a home-and-home set with the Denver Nuggets. LA will visit Denver on Friday and will host the Nuggets on Saturday.

LA is 12-6 when it scores 100 or more points this season