Seattle SuperSonics forward Vin Baker has what is called a slight tear in his right thumb.

The mysterious injury was suffered Friday during overtime of the Sonics' victory at Golden State. Baker immediately left the game, and he sat out Saturday as the Sonics returned home to play the Detroit Pistons. His status is considered day-to-day.

Seattle is off until Thursday, and if Baker can practice before then, the injury might cost him only one game.

Coach Nate McMillan said he doesn't know exactly how the injury occurred, and neither does Baker.

"He just recalls rebounding the ball, going up for a second time and throwing the ball up," McMillan said. "Whether he was hit or got tangled in something, he didn't even know."

The injury continues a streak that has kept the Sonics from using their preferred lineup and rotations virtually the entire season. With the season more than one-third gone, McMillan fears the lack of time playing together together will haunt his team even once - or if - they field a healthy roster.

"We finally got our major pieces together - Vin back, Desmond (Mason) back - we're building a rhythm, and then we lose Vin for one game, possibly longer," McMillan said. "All you can do is hope they recover soon and we can get our rotation together."

Rick returns - Former Sonics broadcaster Rick Carlisle returned to Seattle for the first time as coach of the Detroit Pistons.

"I have fond memories of my year broadcasting," said Carlisle, who last season was color man with Kevin Calabro. "Nate and his staff were very cordial. They allowed me to come to all the practices. That was really helpful to me to see how a really good young coach like Nate handled a lot of those situations last year. That really helped prepare me for this job. The more you're around guys like Nate, the more you appreciate their abilities."

Holiday visit - Sonics coaches and players and their families will make their ninth-annual visit to Seattle Children's Hospital today to hand out presents and visit with patients.

"It's always fun to go over and talk to the kids and meet their families, who are spending Christmas at the hospital," McMillan said. "This year we'll be able to go with our families, which I'm looking forward to: To have an opportunity for my kids to see that they are blessed."

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SIDEBAR: Game in Review

Sonics 117, Pistons 89

KEY STATS - The Sonics shot 60.5 percent from the field, and eight players scored seven or more points.

STAR OF THE GAME - Vladimir Radmanovic had 18 points and eight rebounds in his first NBA start, filling in for the injured Vin Baker.

TURNING POINT - Just before halftime, Detroit's Jerry Stackhouse was ejected on two technicals while complaining that a Brent Barry block had actually been a foul.

KEY OBSERVATION - Despite playing only 16 minutes, Stackhouse led his team in scoring (18 points).

QUOTABLE - "I know they play great in this building, and I know they shoot well in this building. It's a great shooter's court. I saw it many times last year." - Detroit coach Rick Carlisle, who last season was part of the Sonics' broadcast team.

NEXT - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, vs. Los Angeles Clippers, KeyArena.