Sixers Notes: Sixers monitor Iguodala's minutes

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The 76ers were forced to monitor Andre Iguodala's minutes in Wednesday's 103-84 loss to the Bobcats.

Iguodala has been battling plantar fasciitis in his right foot for about the last month. During Monday night's loss to Oklahoma City, Iguodala missed the final minutes because of the injury.

Before the Bobcats game, Sixers coach Eddie Jordan said the medical staff had advised him to monitor Iguodala's playing time. He wound up playing 33 minutes, 10 seconds and leading the Sixers with 14 points.

"He wants to play, but we want him to play effectively physically," Jordan said. "He's sore, he's really sore; I have to watch his minutes."

He traveled with the team, but Sixers forward Rodney Carney did not play against the Bobcats. Carney bruised his right big toe in Monday's game, the team said. The Sixers had only nine eligible players against the Bobcats.

Sixers guard Lou Williams and forward Thaddeus Young did not travel with the team. Williams (lower back) has not played since March 20. Young (fractured right thumb) has not played since March 15.

Former Sixer Theo Ratliff started at center for the Bobcats. Ratliff, who played for the Sixers in two stints, was traded Feb. 18 from the San Antonio Spurs to the Bobcats for a protected second-round pick in 2016.

"He wasn't playing in San Antonio, but he came right in and became a starter for us and he's done a terrific job," said Charlotte coach Larry Brown, who coached Ratliff with the Sixers. "I like guys that try to make their teammates better and think about defending and playing the right way."

Asked about the Sixers' struggles this season, Brown pointed toward injuries.

"Elton Brand hadn't played in so long . . . They're going to be fine," Brown said. "They've been through a lot of changes, a lot of different coaches, a lot of different philosophies, but I think they have the pieces that'll be fine."

The Sixers encouraged fans to arrive early for Saturday's 1 p.m. game against the Toronto Raptors at the Wachovia Center. The Phillies will play an exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:05 at Citizens Bank Park.

- Kate Fagan