Stephen A. Smith of the Inquirer reports that Allen Iverson is optimistic. He said yesterday that he will have the cast on his left hand removed Thursday and that he plans to return for the 76ers' regular-season finale against Indiana.

Several of Iverson's confidants said that the all-star guard plans to start shooting drills by Friday and that he is extremely serious about returning before the regular season ends. But Sixers officials and players said that he may be overly optimistic.

"It doesn't really matter [what he said]," general manager Billy King said. "I heard what he said, but right now, it's only wishful thinking. The cast will come off on Thursday. At that time, an evaluation will be made. No one will know anything before then. It's as simple as that."

"There's no way he's coming back - I don't care what he says," said guard Aaron McKie, Iverson's best friend on the team. "He can say all he wants, but I don't think the team will let him come back. Allen's got a long career ahead of him, and the team will not let him endanger himself by coming back too early, too soon," McKie added. "I can't see it happening, that's all I'm saying."

After suffering the injury on March 22 Iverson was scheduled to be out for 4-6 weeks.  The Sixers are 4-4 in his absence and 4-12 on the season when he hasn?t played.