--C Nick Collison is playing and starting with a broken thumb, and hasn't used it as an excuse. He had 21 points and 13 rebounds in Friday's win over Portland, his seventh double-double this season.

"He's becoming a big spark for us," F Jeff Green said. "We're looking for him down low. We've got to help him out on the boards, but he's doing a terrific job."

--G Earl Watson helped run the offense with Russell Westbrook's early foul trouble Friday night. Watson handled most of the playmaking duties down the stretch, tallying 12 points and 11 assists.

"Earl had a great game," Scott Brooks said. "He's been a pro all year. He comes in and gives us a spark. He played physical defense in a tough game. Earl is a tough kid. He was key."

--C Nenad Krstic was out Friday with flu-like symptoms. Krstic could return for Sunday's game against Sacramento.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F D.J. White (jaw surgery) had a benign tumor removed Oct. 13. The second phase of the surgery involved mending the jaw with bone graft taken from his hip. He's begun doing light workouts.

--G Desmond Mason (knee surgery) will miss the rest of the season. He is expected to make a full recovery.