Nick Collison, who has missed four games with a sprained knee, and Shaun Livingston, sidelined the past two weeks following arthroscopic knee surgery, both practiced Monday. Collison should play against Philadelphia on Wednesday at the Ford Center. Livingston remains day-to-day. "Nick didn't go full bore, but he went through the entire practice," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks.
Center Nenad Krstic (Achilles soreness) did not practice but hopes to play Wednesday night, at worst Friday night against the Celtics, also in the Ford Center.
OLLIE, WEAVER UNDERGO SURGERY
Backup point guard Kevin Ollie underwent successful arthroscopic knee surgery Monday morning. Ollie's goal is to return by Christmas.
Kyle Weaver underwent successful surgery for a separated left shoulder he suffered last week in practice. Weaver will be sidelined for a minimum of four months.
PRACTICE TIME
Playing nine games in 15 days, seven on the road, Brooks said it was natural to "lose a little bit and you have to brush things up on the fly." The Thunder practiced only twice during a two-week grind. That changes during a five-game, two-week homestand.
"That's part of the NBA. Every team goes through it," Brooks said. "You have to pick and choose your spots and put things in priority what you need to work on... It was fun to get out there and get after it."
Areas of emphasis at Monday's practice were defense, ball movement and shooting.
WHITE READY IF NEEDED
Sidelined most of his rookie season following jaw surgery, D.J. White appeared in only seven games. White has appeared in six games this season. In three minutes Sunday against Houston, White scored eight points.
"You never know when there will be an injury or your name is going to be called," White said. "A lot of it is mental. To maintain your rhythm, you just keep working. You don't get game repetitions, but it's helped to get in a few games."
Brooks said: "I like the way D.J. works every day. He's going to get opportunities."
HOLIDAY TICKET PLAN
The Thunder is offering Holiday Packs that start as low as $40 for one ticket to four games. Every two seats purchased include a $20 gift card from Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. Holiday packs are available at various price levels.
Both Holiday packs include four games during the 2010 portion of the schedule:
→Pack A - Jan. 27 (Chicago); Feb. 26 (Minnesota); March 22 (San Antonio); April 7 (Denver).
→Pack B - Jan. 6 (New Orleans); Feb. 16 (Dallas); March 2 (Sacramento); March 28 (Portland).
For more information visit Thunder.NBA.com or call (405) 208-HOOP.
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