--F Brandon Bass is learning to play power forward and center, two positions with drastically different responsibilities in Rick Carlisle's motion offense, and Bass says his somewhat slow start will improve once he gets fully adjusted.

Bass' minutes (15.9) and stats (5.9 points, 2.5 rebounds) are down from last season (8.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in 19.7 minutes) and especially from the playoffs, when he averaged 11.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in 26.6 minutes.

"It's just the plays have to click in your head quicker. There's new words in the system -- some of the same plays we did last year but have different names. It's just a whole new adjustment. Last year you kind of knew where you were going to be when you were at the four and the five. Now you're kind of all over at the four, and with the five it's simple."

--G Jerry Stackhouse says he has nothing to say about the disappointing direction his season is headed. A career 40 percent shooter, he's not even close to that.

Perhaps his knees just allow him to get the lift he needs, but his jumper is faltering. He entered Friday's game against Orlando making just 30 percent. His 1-of-5 performance won't help.

In five of seven games that Stackhouse has played, he has made just one field goal. He appeared to breaking out of his funk when he went a combined 10 of 21 against the Lakers and Clippers. But, in the last two games against Chicago and Orlando, he's just 2 of 10.

--G Jason Terry says he doesn't get too low or too high because the season is so long, but his fluid rotation role changed again Friday against Orlando when he was moved back to the bench.

Terry had a good night with 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. But his night came to a disappointing close when he missed a short running jumper that would have tied the game in the final seconds.

"You've got to go down before you get back up," Terry said.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G-F Devean George (left hand) missed his ninth game Friday. He's could play some time next week.