--C Nenad Krstic returned to the starting lineup after missing Friday's loss to Boston with a sprained ankle. He played 13:16, scored six and grabbed three rebounds. "He makes us better," coach Scott Brooks said. "He extends the defense, he knows how to play. He's another big body we can throw out there. Anytime anybody gets hurt, we miss something. We need all of our guys to be ready to play and be healthy."

--C Serge Ibaka has emerged as the primary backup to Nenad Krstic, moving ahead of veteran Etan Thomas. Ibaka is a rookie with an active body and major upside.

"I'm just mixing it up," coach Scott Brooks said. "That position, like I said from Day 1, is fluid. I'm giving other guys opportunities. It's nothing that is solid. It just gives him opportunities to see what he can bring to our team."

-- G James Harden scored nearly a point a minute in scoring a career-high 26 on Monday. The rookie played 29:40 and did a lot of damage at the line, hitting 13-of-14 free throws.

"I'm getting a better feel of this game and just being aggressive," he said. "Coach told me all week to be aggressive and that's what I came out to do."

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G Shaun Livingston (left knee) is expected to return from a minor knee procedure in mid-December.

--G Kevin Ollie (sore knee) had minor surgery and is expected to be out for the rest of December.

--G Kyle Weaver (separated shoulder) had surgery and is expected to be out through March.