Cassell may shut it down

PORTLAND, ORE. — Sam Cassell might miss the remainder of the regular season after his back spasms worsened Saturday night in a 99-86 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden.

Cassell, 37, collapsed in the second quarter and did not return. X-rays were negative.

The Clippers planned to schedule an MRI exam today or Monday for Cassell, who probably would be monitored for at least a week before his status is evaluated, team trainer Jasen Powell said.

“I’m going to have to sit down a while and let this heal,” Cassell said. “I’m going to need some time, maybe until the playoffs, because I’m hurting right now.”

Moving from right to left on defense while guarding Portland’s Sergio Rodriguez, Cassell pulled up, grimaced in pain and dropped to the floor with 10 minutes 10 seconds remaining in the second. Play was stopped for several minutes while Powell evaluated Cassell.

Aaron Williams and James Singleton helped Cassell to his feet and held his arms as he walked slowly to the locker room. Cassell, who has been sidelined because of many injuries this season, played in only seven of 16 games in March because of back spasms.

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Corey Maggette sat out Saturday because of a chest injury he suffered late in Friday’s 105-101 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

While jumping to make a pass, Maggette was inadvertently struck in the chest by a Kings player “and everything just went numb,” he said. “I really couldn’t do anything after that, I was just trying to get through the game.”

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