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Iverson back at practice

Allen Iverson returned to the Sixers tonight for the team's first practice back from the All-Star break.

Iverson has been in Atlanta as his daughter Messiah is being treated for an undisclosed illness. Iverson would not talk about the specific illness, but said that Messiah will be brought to Children's Hospital in Philadelphia.

He said doctors have assured him they will be able to figure out what is ailing the 4-year-old.

The Sixers host the Miami Heat tomorrow night and Iverson is expected to return. Coach Eddie Jordan would not commit to starting Iverson but indicated he is leaning against it. He said Iverson would be in the top seven in the rotation. "To me, he's different. He's so many years in the league. He's an 11-time All-Star. He's had a personal issue to deal with. I just want to make sure that physically he was in some type of rhythm and he had his legs under him. We'll have to see tomorrow how he responds."

Asked about not starting, Iverson said, "That is so far from my mind right now. That's the last thing that I'm thinking about. We've got to do what's best for the team."

Iverson has missed the Sixers' last five games and did not participate in the All-Star Game. He initially intended to head to Dallas for All-Star weekend but a source said last week that his daughter's condition worsened, leading to a change in plans.