According to Phil Jasner, Allen Iverson has finally met a defense he cannot crack. No matter what tact he takes, regardless how he responds to questions, he cannot get past the team doctor before tonight's regular-season finale against the Indiana Pacers.

While he will not play against the Pacers, Iverson has been given clearance to shoot during practice. He is hopeful that he may return in time for Game 1 of the playoffs.

As for the other Sixers' injuries:

Aaron McKie has been cleared to play with goggles to protect the corneal abrasion that kept him out of the last three games. Dikembe Mutombo will sit out tonight to rest his ailing knee. Derrick Coleman is on the injured list resting his hyperextended knee for the playoffs. Corie Blount sat out of practice with a sore knee, but is expected to play.

Whether Iverson, wearing a splint on his left hand, will be ready for the playoff opener is a separate issue.

"I felt real good today, especially with my shot," Iverson said. "The whole thing is, if I get hit on it, I don't know how it's going to react. I've still got a lot of soreness and swelling, but. . .the first playoff game, I'm going to give it a go."

Larry Brown, though, remained steadfast in the stance he adopted as soon as the severity of the injury was determined. Iverson will not determine when he's ready to come back. Dr. Jack McPhilemy, the 76ers' orthopedic specialist will decide when Iverson can play.

"It's not what he says," Brown said, weary of the subject. "He hasn't practiced. He hasn't scrimmaged. That's not an issue right now."