Clippers lose draft tiebreaker

No, it was hardly a death blow in the Blake Griffin sweepstakes.

Call it a most glancing of blows, if that.

The Clippers and Washington tied for the league’s second-worst record this season at 19-63, ahead of only Sacramento, and on Friday, the tie was broken by a coin flip at the NBA’s Board of Governors meeting in New York.

Washington won.

This means that the Wizards have a 17.8% shot at winning the draft lottery, on May 19, and getting the No. 1 pick and a shot at Griffin, the power forward from Oklahoma. The Clippers have a 17.7% chance of the top pick. Sacramento’s reward for finishing last is a 25% shot at No 1.

Additionally, the Clippers will pick no lower than sixth in the draft. Eric Gordon was there for the Clippers at No. 7 last year, but the draft is said to not be nearly as deep this year.

-- Lisa Dillman

--

Ainge to miss game

Boston Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge won’t be at the team’s playoff opener after his minor heart attack.

Team spokesman Jeff Twiss said that Ainge was resting comfortably and could be released from Massachusetts General Hospital by Sunday. Boston plays the Chicago Bulls today and then again on Monday before going on the road for Game 3 on Thursday.

--

Magic forwards to play

Orlando Magic starting forwards Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu say their injuries won’t sideline them for the playoffs.

Both participated in full-contact drills on Friday.

Lewis sat out the last three games because of right knee tendinitis. Turkoglu sat out the last two games because of a sprained left ankle.

Lewis averaged 17.7 points and Turkoglu 16.8 this season.

--

Tapscott staying

Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said former interim coach Ed Tapscott will remain in the organization in a role yet to be determined.

Tapscott was Washington’s director of player development before Grunfeld fired Eddie Jordan as coach after a 1-10 start.

Tapscott had not been a head coach since 1990 and had never coached in the NBA but was put on the bench and finished 18-53.

Former Minnesota and Detroit coach Flip Saunders has reportedly agreed to become the Wizards’ new coach.

--

Etc.

Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden sat out practice because of a sinus infection and will be a game-time decision for today’s playoff game with Houston. . . . Cleveland’s LeBron James became the second player to win four conference player-of-the-month awards in one season. Kevin Garnett won the award four times with Minnesota in 2003-04, when he was the league’s most valuable player.