Ronald Murray's back spasms have subsided, but the reserve Sonics guard isn't any closer to returning to action.

Coach Bob Weiss estimated Murray will miss the team's upcoming three home games as a precautionary measure. Murray first felt his back flare up in New Jersey and has missed the past three games.

Teammates caught a glimpse of the pain when they returned home from a six-game road trip early Thursday morning, winning the final game in Boston. While players waited for the luggage at 3:30 a.m., Weiss asked if Murray could grab his bags off the ground.

"He said he was all right, then, 'Agh!' " said Weiss, imitating Murray's groan. "He didn't get close to the bag so I said, 'I'll make two trips.' That back, it's murder."

Murray's absence gives Mateen Cleaves more opportunity backing up Luke Ridnour at point guard and Damien Wilkins at shooting guard. Cleaves keeps the offense moving better than Murray, a natural shooting guard, but Weiss wants to fill the role with the latter.