Iverson shutdown for rest of season

"In light of where we are in the season, with only eight regular-season games remaining, we thought it best for Allen to rest his knee rather than risk additional problems," said general manager Billy King said.

Iverson has been bothered by swelling in his right knee and decided to seek a second opinion on Monday by visiting Dr. Russell Warren, the team physician for the New York Giants.

"Allen saw Dr. Warren in New York yesterday, who concurs with the diagnosis and treatment of Allen’s ailing right knee," said 76ers team physician Dr. Jack McPhilemy. "Allen has been bothered by recurrent swelling in the right knee going back six weeks, and diagnostic studies have indicated some wear of the cartilage under the kneecap. Dr. Warren believes that this condition is likely to improve with rest and rehabilitation."

Iverson missed his fourth straight game on Sunday, as the 76ers suffered an 89-65 loss to the Boston Celtics. The team’s leading scorer has already sat out a career-high 26 contests this year because of various injuries and the 76ers are 12-14 without him.

In 48 games this season, Iverson averaged 26.4 points and 6.8 assists per outing.

Coming into Tuesday’s game versus Golden State, Philadelphia has only eight games remaining in the 2003-04 campaign and trails Boston by three games for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.