Potapenko out: Vitaly Potapenko's injury, originally diagnosed as a left-hamstring strain, was downgraded to a slight pull that will force him to miss at least the next two exhibition games. Coach Bob Weiss said the Sonics center will be sidelined five to seven days. If he misses a week, then Potapenko might return Oct. 21 at Phoenix.

There's growing concern, however, that the injury is more severe than the Sonics are saying. After observing him at practice and talking with Potapenko, some Sonics believe he might not play in the exhibition season.

Potapenko, who hasn't practiced since Oct. 7, has been unavailable for comment. Second-year center Robert Swift will get his second start tonight at Phoenix after an up-and-down performance Wednesday in Portland.

"I don't know how Vitaly is doing, but all I know is that the young fella better be ready because he could be in there a long time," forward Rashard Lewis said after the 82-75 defeat.

The rundown: After losing the exhibition opener, Weiss stood in front of the team in the visiting locker room at the Rose Garden and accepted responsibility for the defeat. He felt he hadn't adequately prepared the Sonics for Portland's trapping defense, which disrupted Seattle's offense and led to many of its 17 turnovers. Weiss spent a significant portion of yesterday's practice instructing the team on how to handle the trap. He said the Sonics are going to install their trap defense later in the preseason.

Medical report: F Danny Fortson (right turf toe), who missed Wednesday's game, should make his preseason debut tonight. C Mikki Moore (sore left knee) is not expected to play and free agent F Noel Felix (sprained right ankle) is questionable.

The game plan: The starting lineup (Ray Allen, Luke Ridnour, Reggie Evans, Lewis and Swift) will remain on the court a little longer tonight than it did against Portland, when the starters played about 19 minutes.

Extra work: After the team workout, assistants Bob Hill and Jack Sikma drilled Swift in a rebounding exercise that appeared as if it was intended to improve his timing.

Raising awareness: The Sonics partnered with Virginia Mason Medical Center to host Breast Health Awareness Night for tonight's game. The team will donate $5 for every single-game ticket purchased to the Floyd and Delores Jones Cancer Institute at Virginia Mason. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support.

Quotable: "He's one of their most valuable players. Anytime you lose a guy like that it's going to affect how well you play. They're not going to win 60-something games again without him."

— Weiss on Phoenix forward Amare Stoudemire, who is expected to miss four months after undergoing left-knee surgery Tuesday.

Percy Allen