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Wizards entertain Sixers at Verizon Center

Apr 12, 2013 - 2:55 PM (Sports Network) - The lottery-bound Washington Wizards aim to continue their strong play in the nation's capital when they host the struggling Philadelphia 76ers.

The Wizards have won nine of their last 10 home games with the lone loss coming Wednesday against the defending NBA champion Miami Heat.

Ray Allen scored 23 points in that one and led the Heat to a 103-98 win despite the absences of LeBron James (hamstring), Dwyane Wade (ankle) and Chris Bosh (knee).

A.J. Price had a team-high 23 points off the bench for the Wizards, who were looking to win their 10th straight game at home for the first time since Dec. 13, 2006 - Jan 20, 2007. John Wall nearly recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds in defeat.

"This is one you want to win with those guys not playing," Wall said referring to Miami's Big Three. "Give credit to them for doing what they had to do to win the game."

The Sixers, meanwhile, are just playing out the string in what could be the end of the Doug Collins era in Philadelphia.

The passionate Collins is under contract for the 2013-14 season but reports from the City of Brotherly Love this week claimed that the Sixers would not be offering the veteran coach any kind of extension and it's doubtful he would want to head into next season as a lame duck.

The Sixers dropped their third straight contest against Atlanta on Wednesday when Josh Smith netted 28 points to go with 12 rebounds and the Hawks' bench contributed 53 points as Atlanta took care of Philadelphia, 124-101.

Thaddeus Young was the lone bright spot for the 76ers, who were eliminated from playoff contention earlier this week. Young poured in 28 points on 14- of-20 from the floor, and at one point late in the third quarter, had hit half of the Sixers' field goals.

"I just wanted to come out and just show that I have a lot of energy and that I'm still trying to win games," said Young. "I'm still trying to focus in on finishing this season the right way."

Nick Young and Dorell Wright chipped in 19 and 15 points, respectively, off the bench for the Sixers.

Philadelphia has won six of the last eight games in the series but the Wizards have taken six of the last seven meetings in the nation's capital.