Usually Reliable Vaught Struggling

Forward Loy Vaught, who last season became the first Clipper since Michael Cage in 1987-88 to average a double-double--16.2 points and 10.1 rebounds--has struggled this season.

Vaught has made only four of 21 shots in his last two games. Vaught, who missed six of seven shots in Friday’s 111-94 loss at Utah, missed 11 of 14 shots before fouling out in Saturday’s 106-95 overtime loss to the New Jersey Nets.

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Center Stanley Roberts suffered a ruptured disk in his lower back against the Nets, tests revealed Monday, and he will sit out at least tonight’s game against Charlotte. Guard Malik Sealy has a sprained ankle and his availability will be a game-time decision.

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Guard Pooh Richardson, who has started 152 of 158 games since he was acquired in 1994, has been more productive as a reserve. Richardson, who shot 35.5% in 14 games as a starter this season, has shot 50% and averaged 11 points and 20 minutes in two games as a reserve.