IT'S A BAD TIME NOT TO PLAY `D'.

Byline: Randy Hill Staff Writer

In a toast to rotten timing, the Clippers and their staggering offense are required to spend a couple of unhappy hours tonight at Staples Center with the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs' offense might sober 'em up enough as it is. In the season's opening week, the Clips haven't exactly demonstrated a capacity to perform lock-down procedures against Tim Duncan on the low post. Or handle David Robinson from the elbow. Or limit Avery Johnson's penetration. Or hop out in time to prevent Jaren Jackson's spot-up jumpers against double-teaming tactics.

But it's the defensive muscle flexed by the defending NBA champs that makes Clippers coach Chris Ford squirm.

``I'm really concerned about their defense and their ability to stop people,'' said Ford, whose team has been sensational at stopping itself. After four games, the Clips are attempting to scale the league's more-accessible 100-point wall for the first time. In Monday's clouting by the Utah Jazz, they bruised the rims at a bitter rate of 34 percent from the field.

Aside from awful marksmanship, their offensive ills have been enhanced by a youthful failure to recognize opportunities provided by opposing defenses. Activity away from the ball has been limited to vigorous watching.

``We've developed a bad habit of standing around,'' said guard Derek Anderson, one of the many Clippers with enough one-on-one skills to invite his buddies to spectate unwittingly rather than cut to the basket. ``We're damn near like fans out there.''

According to Ford, the solution is awareness.

``What is my defender doing?'' he said, taking the hypothetical approach. ``Is my defender putting up a road block that could stop my teammate from getting to the basket?''

Tonight, such a maneuver would be overkill. Who needs road blocks when, in Duncan and Robinson, San Antonio can close the road with the Twin Towers?

Fast breaks: Ford's rotation again will be disrupted by the lingering pain of guards Eric Piatkowski and Eric Murdock. Piatkowski (bruised ribs), the Clippers' premier 3-point weapon, will be out for the fourth straight game.

SAN ANTONIO vs. CLIPPERS

Time: 7:30 p.m., at Staples Center.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports West 2, KCTD AM/1540.

Clippers (1-3) update: Announcer Ralph Lawler's law that the first team to score 100 points wins the game doesn't inspire much hope for the Clips, whose next eclipsing of the century mark will be their first.

Spurs (4-1): update: Perhaps Tuesday's battle with the Golden State Warriors will rob the champs of the energy needed to subdue the young Clippers. Well, maybe not.

CAPTION(S):

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BOX: Clippers vs. San Antonio (see text)