Talking about playoffs is fine with Iguodala

The 76ers have a 23-30 record, but they are riding a five-game winning streak and the playoffs are within sight.

With 29 games remaining, starting with tonight's matchup at the Target Center against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Sixers find themselves in a virtual tie with Atlanta and New Jersey for seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.

For Andre Iguodala, answering questions from reporters about a possible playoff run beats the alternative.

For much of the season, Iguodala has faced questions about why he did not sign a contract extension by the Oct. 31 deadline. He turned down a five-year, $57 million deal.

When the season ends, Iguodala will become a restricted free agent. The Sixers will have the right to match any offer for the fourth-year swingman.

"With all the contract talks and people asking, 'What if the team doesn't do well?' - nobody is talking about that now," Iguodala said in an interview before the all-star break. "We have put ourselves in a position of being right there, and all the talk has been about us winning - and that has been wonderful."

Last season, Iguodala was one of four NBA players to average at least 18 points, five rebounds and five assists per game. The others were Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Tracy McGrady. Iguodala averaged 18.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.0 steals last year.

This season, he is averaging 19.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.2 steals.

Iguodala seems as energized as anyone by the Sixers' recent stretch of good basketball.

"We just have to continue to play with confidence and go into every game thinking we can win," he said. "We have a lot of young guys, and I think they are starting to get a better feel for what every possession means and how important it is."

Iguodala turned 24 last month, but he is looked on as one of the team's elder statesmen.

One thing that has benefited Iguodala and the Sixers is the transition game. They have outscored teams by 119-51 on fastbreak points during the streak. The Sixers recently made a subtle change that has helped their leader. Rookie Thaddeus Young has been taking the ball out of bounds instead of Iguodala.

"With Thad taking the ball out, it has given me more opportunities," Iguodala said.

The Sixers also have been making an effort to push the ball hard up the court after an opponent scores.

"Teams have been trying to get two or three guys back in transition to defend us," guard Lou Williams said. "We kind of fight that with trying to get a score after a score. I try to push the ball up and get easy buckets."

Little should be easy during these final 29 games. The Sixers need the young players to stand up under the pressure of playing for the postseason. And veterans such as Iguodala and Andre Miller must continue to thrive.

"We are right there, and some say we have a chance if we play hard, and others don't think we have a shot," Iguodala said with a smile. "All we know is that we have to go out and win games."

Notes. Willie Green missed practice yesterday with a stomach virus. . . . Behind 25 points from Iguodala, the Sixers beat the visiting Timberwolves, 98-94, on Dec. 12.