Gallinari is no fan of ‘rest day’

To be absolutely clear, Danilo Gallinari adamantly told reporters Thursday, he didn’t sit out the Clippers’ loss to the Portland Trail Blazers to rest for rest’s sake.

In a firm tone, the 6foot-10 forward said he was sidelined Tuesday night because of a sore left ankle.

“I didn’t take any rest last game,” Gallinari said before the Clippers practiced Thursday.

“I don’t know what the [physical therapists] told you or what anybody told you, but it wasn’t rest. I’m not resting. I don’t need any rest. I’m ready to go.”

There is much at stake for the Clippers, who are holding one of the top eight spots in the competitive Western Conference.

They are intent on making the playoffs and Gallinari wants to do his part when he’s healthy enough. He is listed as questionable for Friday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center.

“I’m ready for the next one,” Gallinari said. “I just had a problem where I needed to take care of my foot. My foot was hurting from last week so I needed to take care of this problem and now it’s going to be fine.”

Gallinari was instrumental during the Clippers’ fivegame winning streak, which ended with a 125-104 loss to the Trail Blazers.

His production this season is one of the best of his 10year career.

He’s averaging 19.2 points, the second-highest of his career since he averaged 19.3 points during the 2014-15 season with the Denver Nuggets.

He’s averaging a careerhigh 5.9 rebounds and shooting a career-best 45.7% from the field.

He’s also shooting 43.5% from three-point range, 90.3% from the free-throw line and averaging 2.4 assists.

So yes, the Clippers need Gallinari if his body will allow.

“He’ll be ready tomorrow, most likely,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. “I can’t guarantee that, but he looks good.

“It wasn’t a rest day. His ankle was just hurting and we just felt it would be better for him not to further that.”

Gallinari didn’t practice Thursday, but he rode a stationary bike and got treatment from the Clippers’ medical staff.

“I don’t want to sit any game out,” Gallinari said. “If the coaches or the [physical therapists] are telling me I should sit one out, like, OK. But if it’s up to me, I’ll play every game.”