Praise Won’t Stop Kaman

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — NBA observers have praised center Chris Kaman, who has emerged as a low-post force in his third season with the Clippers.

Coach George Karl of the Denver Nuggets, the Clippers’ first-round opponent in the Western Conference playoffs, recently said Kaman “is going to be an All-Star.”

That’s nice, Kaman said, but he’s only getting started.

“I understand what people are saying, and all the compliments are great, but I have to keep working,” said Kaman, who turns 24 on April 28.

“For me, it’s not there until I’m there. No matter what anyone else says, I know I’m not there yet.”

Kaman, who has a minor knee injury, sat out his second game in a row in Tuesday’s 101-95 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

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A strained groin has affected Vladimir Radmanovic’s three-point shooting down the stretch, and the injury might prompt Coach Mike Dunleavy to reduce the forward’s playoff role.

Radmanovic has made only 36.6% of his three-pointers in April -- his poorest shooting percentage in any month this season.

He did not play Tuesday.

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Corey Maggette, sidelined the last seven games because of a herniated disk, is expected to play tonight against Dallas in the final regular-season game.

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As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 300 tickets remaining for the Clippers’ first playoff game at Staples Center and 1,300 for the second, a team spokesman said.

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Forward Vin Baker started for the first time since Jan. 2, 2004, when he was a member of the Boston Celtics.

TONIGHT

at Dallas, 5 PDT, Channel 5

Site -- American Airlines Center.

Radio -- 1150, 830.

Records -- Clippers 46-35, Mavericks 60-21.

Record vs. Mavericks -- 0-3.

Update -- Forward Dirk Nowitzki made a 16-foot fadeaway jumper for the go-ahead score with 0.7 seconds left in the Mavericks’ 75-73 victory April 10 at Staples Center.