Sixers hurting, but it's Bucks whining

Associated Press

Milwaukee coach George Karl said it's gone from basketball to wrestling. Associated Press

With three of their top six players dealing with their latest set of problems, the Philadelphia 76ers decided to forsake having a formal practice yesterday — just as they've done every day since mid-February.

Holding a conventional workout went out of style in Philadelphia months ago when its season of high highs and low lows was merely in mid-tumult. Yesterday was yet another day of watching video, doing some stretching and taking inventory of who was in what state of disrepair.

"I've never seen a group like this that has had so many things happen, and they all thrive on it," said 76ers coach Larry Brown.

The Sixers returned home following their victory Monday over the Milwaukee Bucks that tied the Eastern Conference finals 2-2. Game 5 in the best-of-seven series is tonight.

Iverson, whose tooth was dislodged when he was struck by Ray Allen's elbow late in Game 4, was fitted for a mouthguard that he may or may not wear tonight

Snow was wearing a walking cast on his right foot after spraining his ankle. He had surgery on the same foot earlier this season, but the newest injury is unrelated. His surgeon will evaluate test results today, 76ers spokeswoman Karen Frascona said.

Hill had planned to fly to Cincinnati to be with his father, Eddie, who has had two diabetes-related strokes in the past two weeks. But when Hill's mother telephoned to say her husband's condition had stabilized, Hill stayed in Philadelphia.

The Bucks held a practice in Milwaukee, where coach George Karl offered his typically loquacious commentary on a variety of subjects, including the changed nature of the series and the quality of the officiating.

The Bucks have allowed the 76ers to dictate the pace of the games, turning it into a slowdown, defensive-minded series that plays to Philadelphia's strengths.

"I think we're being bullied a little bit," Karl said. "I think the game has moved to a wrestling match and might be on the move to a football game."

The 76ers were more physical with the Bucks over the holiday weekend, getting away with as much clutching and grabbing as they could to hinder Allen and Glenn Robinson.

"I wish the league would have sent the memo out that handchecking is back and that blocking was back and that fouling was allowed and that we're going back to the old-time game," Karl said. "I just missed that memo. My e-mail must not have been working that day."