SEATTLE – The Seattle SuperSonics again expect to be without forward Rashard Lewis and guards Ray Allen and Flip Murray for the team’s final preseason game against Portland at KeyArena.
The Sonics would like to have all three on Friday, but could tolerate their absences in a meaningless exhibition. A greater concern is whether any of the three, or perhaps all, might have to miss Seattle’s first regular-season game next Wednesday in Los Angeles against the Clippers.
Lewis, who has plantar fasciitis in his left foot, and Murray, who suffered a strained left quadriceps muscle in the first practice of training camp, are doubtful to play against the Blazers. Allen, who has had back spasms, has the best chance of getting in the game, “but if he’s still feeling anything, he probably won’t play,” McMillan said.
Even if Allen does not play Friday, he is likely to be ready for the Clippers next week. The prospects for Lewis and Murray, though, are less clear. Lewis, who has tried to give his ailing foot as much rest and therapy as possible in recent weeks, was able to run on Wednesday, but has yet to join his teammates for full scrimmages and drills.
Murray, likewise, has made progress, but still needs more time to recover fully.
“I expect them to be ready (for next week’s opener),” McMillan said, “but there’s a chance (they won’t).”
Forward Danny Fortson came out of Tuesday’s game with a strained groin muscle, but is expected to play against Portland.
Pass the popcorn: After returning to Seattle late Tuesday night after the team’s exhibition game in Phoenix, McMillan gave his players a day off from practice Wednesday. Instead of a workout, he had the team gather to watch film of the 103-93 loss to the Suns.
That was unusual in itself. Film sessions are common in the regular season, but less so during the preseason. Of course, six straight exhibition losses has McMillan weighing every option.
“This team is not where we need to be,” he said. “Our execution is still not there. Some of that is due to guys being hurt, but that can’t be an excuse.”
Asked if he has been pleased by anything in the preseason, McMillan replied: “Not since that first game.” That happened to be Seattle’s only exhibition win, an 87-80 decision against the LA Lakers in Anaheim, Calif., on Oct. 12.
“Since then,” he went on, “our execution has been pretty poor. There haven’t been a lot of things to be pleased with.”
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