Twice in late January, Allen Iverson, the NBA's most valuable player last season, was named player of the week. Then he became Eastern Conference player of the month for January. Little has changed. When the Philadelphia 76ers come to town tonight, he will get the Pistons' principal attention.

"Iverson, naturally, is a huge concern," coach Rick Carlisle said Monday after practice.

Perhaps the only sure way to stop Iverson is to deny him admission to the Palace. That being unlikely, the Pistons will use their own plan. Just what, they're not saying.

"We checked him with point guards last time; this time we're not sure," assistant coach Kevin O'Neill said.

"He'll see a lot of different people," Carlisle said, slyly.