More Brand: Will He Or Won't He?

The 76ers insist the availability of Elton Brand tonight against the Indiana pacers remains a game-time decision, but . . .

ComcastSportsNet is reporting on its website that Brand will not play.

Clearly, both stances could turn out to be correct.

''We've said it's a game-time decision, and that's what it still is,'' Sixers spokesperson Mike Preston said. ''We have yet to get any further report.''

Brand, recovering from a dislocated right shoulder suffered Dec. 17, was unable to play in the second half of Tuesday night's loss to the Boston Celtics. He was on the court for 8:40 of the first half, wearing--for the first time--a brace that included a thick pad. He said afterward that he felt pain, that he felt restricted in his normal movement and felt it was ''a setback.''

Brand visited Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine during the team's morning shootaround today, then left for Wilmington, Del. where he was to be examined by Dr. Craig Morgan, his personal orthopedic surgeon; he was also expected to be examined by Dr. JacMcPhilemy, the team's orthopedic specialist.

At the same time, David Falk, Brand's agent, was scheduled to meet with Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski to help determine the best course of action. Brand has appeared in six games, all as a reserve, since missing 16. The major decision appears to be whether it is in the best interests of all parties for Brand to continue trying to play through this, or to take additional time to rest and rehabilitate the shoulder.