Wright Battling Case of Nerves

Rookie swingman Lorenzen Wright, who started his first NBA game in Tuesday’s 96-89 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, said he had butterflies.

“I was very nervous,” Wright said. “It was my first time out there really just playing, and [Vlade] Divac got a few quick moves on me and got some fouls early, but we won; that’s the most important thing.”

Wright, who had three points and one rebound in six minutes, didn’t play in the second half, but Coach Bill Fitch said Wright might start tonight.

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Swingman Eric Piatkowski, who has sat out four games because of flu, won’t accompany the Clippers on their upcoming three-game, five-day trip.

Piatkowski was put on the injured list last Friday. “I’m really weak right now, I’m tired,” he said. “I’m staying here on this road trip and by the time they get back I should be well rested and ready to roll.”