Elliott Teaford of the Los Angeles Times reports: The Los Angeles Clippers will meet today with Elton Brand's orthopedic surgeon Craig Morgan to determine his status for the Clippers' remaining nine games.

Brand, who has been out since February 28th with a stress fracture above his left ankle, could be cleared to play as early as tonight in the Clippers' home game against the Utah Jazz.

"If Elton's ready and he's cleared to play, we're going to play him," said Dennis Johnson. "I don't think that would be rushing him back. He's been doing all his rehab stuff and all that and he'll be ready to play."

For the season, Brand is averaging 18.4 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.