Two weeks ago, the Sonics were 10-15 and reeling from their latest loss, looking occasionally hopeless and otherwise hapless against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Record-wise, they had become one of the worst teams in the Western Conference.

The Sonics have not lost since, winning four consecutive games, going from awful to awfully impressive.

Tonight at KeyArena, they get another shot at the rising Clippers in what amounts to a payback game, given the circumstances.

The Clippers were high-fiving and low-blowing when they weren't laughing and joking during extended periods of garbage time in their 114-94 victory Dec. 12 at Staples Center.

Darius Miles tried to throw down a windmilling jam that ricocheted off the rim and nearly hit the scoreboard. Coach Alvin Gentry apologized to Sonics coach Nate McMillan for Miles' over-the-top intentions.

"It's an opportunity for revenge," Desmond Mason said.

Several factors point to a strong likelihood that the Sonics can extend their streak to five and perhaps rub the Clippers' noses in it in the process. The Clippers might be 15-12 and for real for once, but they are only 1-6 on the road and playing on back-to-back nights after a 100-86 loss to the 76ers at home last night.

The Sonics have not played since Saturday and are 14-1 against the Clippers in Seattle the past seven years. McMillan's team is 5-0 with two days or more between games, and has won by an average of 21 points in its past three home games.

If the Sonics can reach .500 tonight, it would be a modest milestone for this club, with all of the injuries and schedule craziness that have combined to inhibit early development.

"The schedule was just too hard the beginning of the year," said Gary Payton. "We were not ready for that."

A break-even season of 41-41 would seem a logical goal for the Sonics, who have plenty of talent and scoring ability but not much size and experience.

Expectations are modest given the influx of seven new players.

But this year a .500 record might be good enough to make the playoffs if the current pace continues. The Sonics and the Jazz are tied for seventh in the Western Conference at 14-15.

Making up for their limitations inside, the Sonics have been torrid of late, hitting a club-record 20 of 22 shots in the second quarter against Golden State last Friday and following it up the next night with a season-high, 60-percent shooting night against Detroit.

"We have played better defense," McMillan said. "That's led to better rhythm at the offensive end."

They have managed their finest stretch of the season without their only two centers, Calvin Booth and Jerome James, both on the injured list.

Booth and James scrimmaged yesterday, which is a positive step. They won't play tonight and likely will not be activated for the Sonics' next game against Toronto on Saturday. But both figure to be ready for Philadelphia on Jan. 4.

Vin Baker, who sprained his right thumb against the Warriors and did not play against the Pistons, expects to return tonight.

He will play with a protective brace that affects his shooting "quite a bit," Baker said.

The Sonics' power forward figures his thumb is about 75 percent of what it normally is.

McMillan has yet to have an injury-free team. The Sonics might continue to compensate with just three games in eight days, all at home.

But then the grind returns: nine of the next 11 are on the road.

Regardless, most of the signs are positive, as Payton has noticed.

"I knew we could play," he said. "I can see our potential. If we get our rest, we can beat anybody in the NBA."