<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Sonics remained upbeat yesterday despite completing yet another workout without coach Nate McMillan and leading scorer Ray Allen. McMillan, who is spending time with family and friends in Raleigh, N.C., after the death of his mother, is not expected back until at least Sunday. Allen, who missed the past two games with the flu, has come down with a sinus infection that could sideline him for today's practice and tomorrow's game against the Charlotte Bobcats. Whether he plays will be a game-time decision. Always amiable forward Reggie Evans cracked a smile and tried to reassure those within earshot, including himself, that morale is nonetheless high for the Northwest Division-leading team. "We can't be down," he said. "Looking at Nate's situation and what he's going through, we've got to keep our spirits up for him. He's got to feel better to turn the TV on and know his team won." The Sonics' 106-101 victory at Sacramento on Tuesday likely offered some comfort for their absent coach. It also ended a stretch in which they played four of five games on the road.</div> Source
We have a couple of games to consolidate the Northwest lead, against Charlotte and New Orleans. I can't really see us having a big enough lapse to lose to the Bobcats, but you never know with New Orleans considering the way Dickau has been playing lately. Will provide a tough test for Luke and hopefully one the team won't take for granted.
