CLIPPERS NOTEBOOK: CLIPPERS HOPE TO REBOUND.

Byline: Gary Washburn Daily News Staff Writer

Could tonight be it?

The Clippers are looking to tonight's game with Sacramento to snap their losing streak at nine games and salvage some hope in this early part of the season.

No question the Clippers are playing better with their new starting lineup, including center Lorenzen Wright and forward Lamond Murray, who have added some spark to the offense. But what plagued the Clippers in their recent losses has been defensive rebounding. The Clippers (1-12) have been outrebounded in all nine losses (no coincidence), including 137-104 on the offensive boards.

``When a team has more chances, then it will kill you,'' Clippers coach Bill Fitch said. ``We haven't been aggressive. We've been looking around when the ball comes off the board and the other team gets it and gets another shot.''

Against the Lakers on Sunday, the Clippers had three chances at a defensive board with the lead in the third quarter and missed all three times. Brent Barry once led the team in rebounding but has 24 rebounds in the last nine games (2.7 rpg) after collecting 27 in the first four (6.8).

``When the guard gets the rebound, he doesn't need to make an outlet pass,'' Fitch said. ``He can start the break and it puts the opponent on their heels.''

Hence, the problem. The Clippers can't be a running team if they can't get key defensive rebounds. Not many fast breaks start with an inbounds pass.

Martin's status: Darrick Martin is unhappy with his demoted status and his agent, Lon Rosen, is expected to speak soon with Clippers officials about Martin's future with the team. Martin is a free agent after this season.

Martin has shouldered some of the blame for the 1-12 start and he has been replaced in the starting lineup by Pooh Richardson. Martin has averaged 9.2 points and 37 percent shooting. But some key missed free throws - especially since Martin was among the NBA leaders in percentage last season - is an example of his decline.

Vaught to rest: Loy Vaught had his sore back examined Tuesday by Dr. Ted Goldstein, who prescribed new medication for the forward. Vaught is expected to miss the next few games to determine the effect of the medication.

Vaught feared he might need surgery and is eager to play in this final year of his contract. He has a degenerative disc that was discovered in 1994. Vaught has missed the last two games.

CLIPPERS VS. SACRAMENTO

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m., Sports Arena.

TV/Radio: TBS; KEZY-FM 95.9; KLITE-FM 92.7.

Clippers (1-12) update: In their only nationally televised game of the season, the Clippers have a good chance at their second victory. They beat the Kings 98-85 on Nov. 6. Brent Barry leads the Clippers in scoring at 15.9 points per game but has averaged just 12 points in the last three. . . . Lamond Murray has scored 74 points in the last two games and is second at 14.9. . . . Darrick Martin has scored in single figures the last four games after scoring in double-figures the previous seven.

Kings (5-8) update: The Kings - even with the distractions from disgruntled guard Mitch Richmond - have played well. Sacramento's defense has been decent.

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BOX: CLIPPERS VS. SACRAMENTO (see text)