Point guard Shaun Livingston might be sidelined much longer than the Clippers initially announced, Coach Mike Dunleavy intimated Sunday.

"We're not going to take any chances with him," Dunleavy said before a 113-108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wachovia Center.

When Livingston's back injury was revealed Oct. 23, the Clippers said the promising second-year player was expected to sit out two to four weeks.

Livingston's third MRI exam Thursday "showed substantial healing in the stressed area" of his back, according to a release, but team officials said they had no timetable for his return.

Trainer Jasen Powell has declined to speculate on when Livingston would resume basketball-related workouts.

"I've told them [team medical personnel] that whatever it takes, I want it to be right," Dunleavy said. "I want them to be really sure. I don't want any setbacks.

"I want it to be done the right way. It's a long-term commitment, and that's the right way to handle it. We'll deal with it."