Aaron

McKie

McKie has been battling back spasms.

McKie may not start, but he averaged 28 minutes last season while hitting 43.6 percent of his 3-point shots, good for fifth in the league.

McKie has a tear in his shoulder, and the Sixers don’t really need to rush him back as long as Kyle Korver and Willie Green are playing well, so expect them to proceed cautiously.

McKie has been playing through his back problems, but his numbers have suffered. He hopes to be more productive in the playoffs.

"[McKie] is probably going to stay on the injured list at the moment,” coach Jim O’Brien said. “He has a bad shoulder. It’s sore. It is what it is. Who knows if there’s a tear in there? We’ll see about bringing him off the injured list at a more appropriate time.” The longer McKie is out, the better news for Willie Green and Kyle Korver.

McKie was limited to nine minutes in his last game.

McKie is expected to play tonight.

McKie and Allen Iverson are both expected back for the coming week, which would put the Sixers back near full strength. Greg Buckner, who tied a career high with 11 rebounds in relief of McKie Wednesday, will start again today.

McKie has played extended minutes with Allen Iverson out. He’s currently day-to-day.

Coach Randy Ayers said if McKie has not shown improvement at today’s practice, he will keep him out of Saturday’s game at San Antonio.