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Sixers continue life without Brand

Feb 7, 2009 - 1:05 PM Miami (26-22) at Philadelphia (24-24) 7:00 p.m. EST

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- The Philadelphia 76ers were hoping Elton Brand would provide a much needed spark upon his return from injury. The team will have to look elsewhere for that boost.

The 76ers march on without Brand when they host the Miami Heat on Saturday.

One day after expressing optimism about Brand's progress, Philadelphia announced on Thursday that the veteran forward will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder.

Brand, who signed a five-year deal worth close to $80 million in the offseason, missed 16 games after dislocating the shoulder December 17 against Milwaukee. He played in six contests after returning but was limited to less than nine minutes in Tuesday's 100-99 loss to the Boston Celtics.

Following the game, Brand said he felt pain in the shoulder and was restricted in his movement. After MRI results were reviewed, it was determined that the initial tear in the labrum is responsible for a decrease in the range of motion and instability in the shoulder that would make Brand ineffective for the remainder of the season.

Hours after the announcement, the 76ers improved to 11-8 without Brand by forging a 99-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Philadelphia hopes for more of the same against the Heat, who have lost three of their last four games, including a 93-90 setback to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.