Clippers prepare for Dwyane Wade and the Heat

The Clippers said today that the key to beating the Miami Heat at Staples Center on Sunday won't be so much trying to control high-scoring Dwyane Wade as it will be trying to neutralize his teammates.

"There's nothing you can really do to keep [Wade] under control; he's going to score," Clippers forward Marcus Camby said after practice at the team's Playa Vista training facility. "You just have to be able to keep the guys around him down and have good success on the rebounding."

The game will be the first meeting of the season between the Clippers, who are seeking their fourth consecutive win, and the Heat. They split two games last season.

Wade is averaging 27.1 points per game this season, and Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said Wade is "always going to get his points. We're just going to have to try to make him work hard to get them."

Will that require double-teaming Wade on defense? "It could," Dunleavy said. "Some of it depends on the way the game is going, the score and momentum, but you definitely have your plans in place to double-team him as needed."

The Clippers also said guard Sebastian Telfair was doubtful for Sunday's game because of a sore right groin.

--Jim Peltz

Photo: Miami's Dwyane Wade shoots during the Clippers' 97-96 win over the Heat at Staples Center on Nov. 29, 2008. Credit: Christine Cotter/Los Angeles Times