Suns visit Sixers

Iverson has missed the Sixers last two games with a sprained left ankle and his status for tonight’s affair will be determined after the morning shoot- around.

Philadelphia, though, has not missed a beat without its leader and on Sunday won their second straight game, as Chris Webber poured in 18 points and dished out a season-high eight assists to lead the 76ers past the Orlando Magic, 89-81, at the TD Waterhouse Centre.

Last year Iverson missed seven games and the Sixers went just 2-5 in those games.

John Salmons added 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, while Kevin Ollie started in place of Iverson and netted a season-high 12 points with five rebounds for the Sixers, who won for the fifth time in their last six tries.

Thanks to their recent success the Sixers have pulled into a first place tie with the New Jersey Nets in the Atlantic Division.

Philadelphia, which will close this stand against ultra-hot Detroit on Friday, is 15-8 in its arena this season.

Phoenix, meanwhile, comes in on a sour note after falling to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday at Quicken Loans Arena. Steve Nash scored 24 points, while Shawn Marion posted 22 points and seven rebounds to pace the Suns, who had a two-game winning streak stopped.

James Jones notched 20 points and Eddie House added 16 in the loss.

The Suns, who will close a two-game road trip in Boston on Wednesday, are 12-9 away from home this season.

Phoenix defeated the Sixers earlier in the season and has won three straight, six of seven and nine of the last 13 meetings. The Suns have also won two of three, four of seven and nine of 13 in the City of Brotherly Love.