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Iverson situation looms over 76ers as Trail Blazers visit

Dec 11, 2006 - 2:06 PM Portland (8-14) at Philadelphia (5-14) 7:00 pm EST

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- While the Philadelphia 76ers are in a state of flux over the Allen Iverson situation, the Portland Trail Blazers welcome back Zach Randolph from his own issues when the teams meet Monday at the Wachovia Center.

The 76ers' world has recently revolved around the absence and reported trade demands of Iverson, a seven-time NBA All-Star. Sixers chairman Ed Snider said the organization would do everything in its power to trade the disgruntled guard.

Meanwhile the 76ers have spiraled down the wrong path even with the mercurial guard in the lineup, losing seven straight, and 11 of their last 12 games.

On Saturday Philadelphia suffered its eighth straight road defeat, 86-84 to the Orlando Magic. Chris Webber and Andre Iguodala each scored 19 points for the Sixers, who had a chance to tie the game, however Kevin Ollie's shot at the buzzer was partially blocked by Orlando's Jameer Nelson.

It was one of Webber's better efforts this season as he also grabbed 11 rebounds and added eight assists for Philadelphia, which hasn't won since November 24 against Chicago.

Portland welcomes back its leading scorer in Randolph, who was suspended for one game after making an obscene gesture toward Indiana fans in a 108-95 loss to the Pacers on Friday.

The Trail Blazers snapped a two-game losing streak with a 93-83 win at Toronto on Sunday. Jarrett Jack had 22 points along with a career-high nine rebounds and eight assists for Portland, which tries to win two straight for just the second time this season.

Randolph, who is averaging 25.9 points this season, averaged 26.0 points in two games vs. the Sixers in 2005-06.

The teams have split their two series meetings in each of the last three seasons.