Iverson: Playoffs aren't out of reach

With 29 games left on their regular-season schedule, the 76ers need to go 21-8 to finish at .500 and possibly put themselves in contention for a playoff berth.

The countdown continues tonight when the Sixers take on the San Antonio Spurs at the Wachovia Center.

The Sixers are 10th in the Eastern Conference - the top eight teams earn playoff berths - and 61/2 games behind eighth-place Charlotte.

"Obviously, you're playing for your pride and you should just want to win," Sixers guard Allen Iverson said yesterday after practice at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. "We don't feel like it's out of reach."

Coach Eddie Jordan said Iverson would be back in the starting lineup tonight, after bringing the 14-year veteran off the bench for Tuesday's game against Miami, a demoralizing 105-78 loss.

It was Iverson's first contest since he left the team four games before the all-star break to be with his ill daughter and his family.

Iverson and his backcourt mates will have to be at full attention with guard Tony Parker directing the Spurs' offense and always on the attack. Parker, who is averaging 17.2 points a game, had 28 in a 90-87 road victory over Indiana on Wednesday.

Along with all-star forward Tim Duncan, who is averaging 19.1 points, Parker is giving the Spurs a two-man game that is killing opponents.

The Spurs, coached by Gregg Popovich, also have double-figure scorers in swingman Manu Ginobili, forward Richard Jefferson, and guard George Hill. Ginobili is averaging 13.5 points, Jefferson 12.2, and Hill 11.0

"The emphasis is the terminology of building a wall," Jordan of dealing with Parker and Duncan. "Maybe three players have to defend Parker and Duncan."

After contending with the Spurs tonight, the Sixers will play four road games beginning tomorrow night in Chicago. They then visit Golden State, Phoenix, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

"Anything can happen," Jordan said. "Is 21-8 realistic? We have to really catch fire and carry momentum through. I'm not going to count anything out."

Notes. Guards Lou Williams (ankle) and Willie Green (shoulder) returned to practice after sitting Wednesday. The status of both for tonight's game was to be determined. . . . Forward Jason Smith (ankle) has been declared out for tonight and tomorrow. . . . The Sixers and Main Line Health are asking fans to wear red tonight in recognition of the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign. The Sixers will wear their red road uniforms, and coaches, front-office personnel, and broadcasters will wear red ties and pins.