A torn tendon in the left foot of Kings center Brad Miller put him out of commission on Nov. 4, with the prognosis that he would miss at least four weeks. The early buzz was that it could take even longer, but that was before Miller was suddenly sighted as a regular in pregame drills and practice routines, acting more active than an inactive player typically does.

Saturday at Arco Arena, Miller made a surprise return against Portland. Although Kings coach Eric Musselman and his staff decided to limit him to 15 minutes or less of playing time, the luxury of having a 7-footer was welcomed for a team that has struggled defensively in the paint lately. He played his first six minutes in the second quarter, tallying three rebounds, two assists, two points and three fouls in that time.

"With Brad, (the situation) was, Is he going to be activated for the Clippers game (Tuesday), for the Texas trip (Friday and Saturday)?" Musselman said. "But he's continually been on his own with the medical staff doing full-court stuff, slides, and hasn't experienced any discomfort.... To me, (the Kings' medical staff) has done an incredible job of getting guys back as quick as possible."