Andre Iguodala had an interesting observation about a change LeBron James has made this season.

“I shouldn’t say he doesn’t jump as high, because he does jump as high," Iguodala said. "But he doesn’t spend too much energy trying to dunk on guys. He makes the easy play now.” 

Iguodala elaborated his point. 

“He doesn’t go down the lane and do a windmill in the half-court set or backwards dunk it. It’s kind of like ‘just get the finish.’ He’s preserving his body for the long haul and I see that.” 

When told of Iguodala's comments, James laughed about Iguodala’s morning scouting report. 

“I guess I’m getting ready for the playoffs, I’m saving all my energy for the playoffs,” James said on Friday. 

“But if I get one tonight, I will throw it down,” James said laughing. 

James didn’t disagree with Iguodala’s assertion that he is trying to keep his body healthy for the postseason. 

“This year I’ve been banged up a little bit and I’ve just trying save enough energy [for the playoffs]. But if I get the opportunity [to dunk], I will,” James said.

Doug Collins is leaning towards giving Evan Turner's backup minutes to Andres Nocioni during Philadelphia's final stretch run.

Collins discussed the decision with Rod Thorn and Ed Stefanski.

"Evan has done a good job for us; we fell very good about that," said Collins. "We just sort of feel right now with Noc, he played very well for us early and he gives us another three-point shooter, spreader of the floor, gives us good size and he's experienced. I'm just going to figure it out night-by-night."

Philadelphia 76ers forward Craig Brackins was reassigned to the Springfield Armor, the 76ers’ NBA Development League affiliate, it was announced Thursday.  

The assignment marks the 49th time in the 2010-11 season an NBA player has been assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate, and it is the third and final assignment this season for Brackins, a rookie out of Iowa State. Brackins (6-10, 230) was assigned on Nov. 30 and Jan. 15. He appeared in 14 games (nine starts) with the Armor, averaging 19.9 points and 9.1 rebounds in 37.2 minutes. Brackins has appeared in three games this season for Philadelphia, averaging 2.7 points in 11.0 minutes. 

With just 12 games remaining in the regular season, 76ers coach Doug Collins indicated that his rotation could be expanded as the team gets into playoff mode.

Speaking about the need for experience. Collins suggested that forward Andres Nocioni and center Tony Battie could see more playing time.

The Sixers are one game ahead of the Knicks in the battle for sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Sixers are 36-34 as they attempt to finish the final 12 games of the season with a record over .500 for the first time since the 04-05 season.

"We've got 12 games to put a stamp on this season, and it could be a very special season for our guys," Sixers coach Doug Collins said. "I want us to keep our eye on what we have to do every day."

"The season started off tough, but we fought our way out," said Elton Brand. "For us to go in the opposite direction again would be the ultimate disappointment."

The 76ers dropped a difficult 110-105 loss in overtime to the Thunder on Wednesday.

Doug Collins sees the success of Oklahoma City as a model to use for their club.

"That's a damn good team," Collins said. "I want to use that as a blueprint for us. I want us to build like Oklahoma City has built. They built through the draft. Their younger players have gotten better. That's what I want us to continue to do ... We think we have some good, young pieces. The difference they have right now is they have that shot-blocking in the lane."

Thaddeus Young and Doug Collins have enjoyed an excellent working relationship.

"They always say teachers and coaches are not supposed to have favorites," Collins said. "But I can't lie - (Young) is one of my favorites. On a daily basis, he is what it's all about. I absolutely think he is one of the most wonderful kids I've ever been around."

"It's great to hear him say that," Young said. "It's great that he looks at me like that because he's definitely my favorite coach. This season, by far, is probably the best season I've had."

Philadelphia has an 8-2 record when Young logs 20 or more points.

The combination of the individual and team success has Young feeling a lot better about himself and the Sixers than he did a year ago when the Sixers were losing and Young struggled with a less-defined role under Eddie Jordan en route to a 27-55 record.

"Obviously, I didn't do well in coach Jordan's system," Young said. "I found myself standing around a lot with coach Jordan.

"(Collins) came in and put a system in place where each and every guy on this team has benefited from it. It was definitely beneficial for me. Now, I'm always moving and using defense as a way to spark our offense. I'm taking his advice as far as laying off the jumpers and getting inside."

The 76ers and Jason Kapono were unable to agree to terms on a buyout and he will finish the season with the club.

Kapono has played just 89 minutes during the 10-11 season.

Indiana's T.J. Ford and Philadelphia's Jason Kapono are unlikely to be bought out prior to Tuesday's midnight deadline, according to agent Bob Myers.

Ford and Kapono had been mentioned as potential options for contenders in the event they hit the free-agent market.

76ers rookie Evan Turner will work with a shooting coach this coming offseason.

Turner, who was drafted with the second overall pick last June, will work with legendary Philadelphia University coach Herb Magee.

"I haven't really seen him all that much, I don't watch as much as a lot of people," Magee said. "He doesn't get a lot of shots. Sunday night, I think he had eight. Other nights, it's three or four. And I'm not sure where he's shooting them from.

"What we'll do is get in the gym and I'll watch him for quite a while. I'm sure he's a good shooter, probably not great, but good."

Turner says the pair will work to repair what he calls a "hitch" in his shot.

He is shooting 41.6% from the field this season, including just 26.3% from three-point land.