Murdock Excited Despite Ailments

Eric Murdock walked gingerly into the training room after the Clippers’ practice Tuesday, looking for some ice relief.

“Just little nagging injuries are slowing me down,” said Murdock, who missed the first three exhibition games because of a sprained ankle, and 32 games last season because of a left knee injury. “My Achilles’ are sore a little bit and my other knee is sore a little bit but my ankle is fine. I’m just trying to get healthy. . . . I’m trying to get as much treatment as possible.”

Murdock has started the last three exhibition games at point guard and is expected to split time at the position with Troy Hudson. In his ninth season, he is excited about the Clippers’ interchangeable offense.

“The guys are playing well together. . . . [Coach] Chris [Ford] gives us a chance to really play our games,” said Murdock, a former starter with Milwaukee, the Clippers’ exhibition opponent tonight at Staples Center.

“There are no handcuffs out there . . . guys have the freedom to do whatever they want inside the structure of the offense. Which is good because it allows guys to play their game.”

*

Power forward Maurice Taylor did not practice Tuesday because of a bruised left shoulder he suffered last week against Phoenix.

Taylor, who has played in two exhibition games since the injury, expects to play tonight against the Bucks.

“I don’t want to have any lingering injuries [when the regular season begins next Tuesday],” Taylor said. “It’s to the point where practice now and play now and then sit out Nov. 2? . . . I don’t want to do that.”

*

Small forward Tyrone Nesby will miss tonight’s game for personal reasons but is expected to play Friday when the Clippers end their exhibition season against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center.