Battle of wounded knees (and everything else)

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The Clippers are finally playing a team with nearly as many injury woes -- the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Of course, the Clippers can trump Minnesota with a suspension. Zach Randolph will be out for two games because of conduct detrimental to the team, having been arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of drunk driving.

The Clippers will be without Randolph, Al Thornton, Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman, Mardy Collins and Ricky Davis. Kaman, who has flu, is improving and could be ready Friday or Saturday. Minnesota’s Al Jefferson and Corey Brewer each has a torn knee ligament, and Randy Foye is out because of a sore left hip, as is Rodney Carney because of a bruised right hip.

Thornton said he will have an MRI exam Wednesday on his right shoulder.

‘I think I’m done for the rest of the year,’ he said, eating his usual burger and fries in the locker room before the game.

At least the rest of the year means only a week from Wednesday. There are four games remaining after tonight for the Clippers.

Thornton said he has been bothered by the shoulder for the last couple of months, injuring it against Golden State and that it had popped out.

‘It could get worse,’ said Thornton, who wants to avoid surgery.

Obviously, his mood was downcast. Even on the topic of his postseason plans.

‘No vacation. I haven’t earned a vacation,’ Thornton said.

-- Lisa Dillman

Photo (from left to right): Clippers players Al Thornton, Chris Kaman, Ricky Davis, Marcus Camby and Mardy Collins. Credit: Jeff Lewis / Associated Press; C.J. Gunther / EPA; Streeter Lecka / Getty Images; David Zalubowski / Associated Press