Nick

Collison

Coach Nate McMillan is “experimenting” right now. Ridnour is fighting Antonio Daniels for the starting point job spot. Rashard Lewis was given some minutes at guard the other night with Ray Allen out, but was uncomfortable and turned the ball over twice, so he should see time only at small forward. McMillan is also trying to find a way to get some offense out of Vladimir Radmanovich.

Collison is doubtful for tonight’s game. The stomach disorder caused teammate Reggie Evans to miss two games earlier this season.

Collison will have the same surgery on his right shoulder in about 10 weeks. He’s expected to resume practicing by June, meaning he could possibly participate in the summer league.

That makes 3 shoulder surgeries for Collison before he ever plays an NBA game. Collison will require 4-6 more months of rehab before he is fully healthy.

Collison, who sat out his rookie year after undergoing surgeries on both shoulders, will be examined next week to determine if he’s ready to return to the court. He’s also preparing for the worst-case scenario, which would push back his return to the court until August.

Collison will be a candidate to start for the Sonics at power forward.

Collison missed Monday’s game as well with the injury, and the Thunder don’t want to rush him back before he’s ready. Serge Ibaka should see an increased run once again and has really picked up his play of late.

Collison has missed two straight games. The Thunder could certainly use his defensive prowess against Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum Thursday.

Collison played his usual 20 minutes in Sunday night’s overtime win over the Nuggets, so he must have woken up sore. Shot-blocking machine Serge Ibaka will get a boost in minutes.

This should, in theory, help Scott Brooks provide Serge Ibaka minutes, but Brooks has an aversion to using one of the league’s best defensive players. Ibaka owners can take solace in the fact that Brooks always hesitates to bench Ibaka on national TV games, since the national media might not be as kind as it is at home.