Status of Baron Davis and Marcus Camby Still Uncertain for Clippers' Opener

The Clippers begin the regular season in just two short days, but the question of whether or not they will have their two offseason acquisitions in the starting lineup remains unanswered.

Marcus Camby hasn't played a minute of preseason basketball, after missing the first week of training camp with the flu, and then sitting out basically ever since then with a bruised right heel. Late last week, Camby was adamant about getting back in time for Wednesday's opener against the Lakers, insisting that he wouldn't sit out the first week or two of the season.

"I probably still need a couple more weeks of healing, but the time right now is not on my side with the season approaching in five or six days so I'm trying to do everything possible to get back out on the court," Camby said. "I'm long overdue. I've been wanting to get out there on that court for some time now. I definitely want to get out there opening night."

While it's admirable that Camby wants to get out there, right now, that goal doesn't seem very realistic. He was unable to participate in the team's practice yesterday, so if he can't practice on the heel, it's tough to see how he could put it through a game situation trying to guard the likes of Andrew Bynum.

Meanwhile, Baron Davis' status is also uncertain for the opener, but the chances of him playing seem a little bit better. Davis is practicing, although he's being kept out of contact situations to make sure he doesn't further aggravate his sprained left ring finger. While rookie guards Eric Gordon and Mike Taylor have played well at times in the preseason, the fact is that without Baron Davis out there, the Clippers are going to struggle to score and get others involved in the offense.

Head coach Mike Dunleavy was asked if the two days the team has left of practice time would be sufficient to get Davis ready for the opener. He responded by saying "Has to be. That's all we've got." For the team to have any shot to start the season off with a victory, Dunleavy's assertion is spot on.

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