1.   Mason returned to his sixth-man role when Charles Smith returned to the starting lineup after a one-game absence due to a sprained left knee.

2.   Shooting guard Kendall Gill is expected to rejoin the team after a brief excused absence due to depression.

3.   The Celtics did have Vitaly Potapenko back after a three-game absence due to a calf strain.

4.   Canadian star Mark Messier will be back after a one-game absence due to the flu.

5.   Iverson returned after a two-game absence due to injury.

6.   It was his first singles play after a lengthy absence due to a knee injury.

7.   Lanky forward Alen Boksic, who plays Italian league leader Lazio, made a comeback to the Croatian side after a yearlong absence due to a knee reconstruction.

8.   Moving slowly, he nonetheless looked thinner and healthier than during his six-month absence due to heart problems.

9.   On Saturday, Vieri will start after a six-month absence due to injuries.

10.   Ronaldo has been troubled by a string of muscle problems this season on his return from a two-year absence due to a right knee injury.