Webber to play as 76ers host Knicks

Chris Webber has said all the right things about fitting in better this year with Philadelphia and coexisting with Allen Iverson.

Now the five-time All-Star power forward seems set to prove it on the court.

After missing the team’s first six preseason games with a strained right quadriceps, Webber says he’s healthy enough to make his preseason debut when the 76ers play the New York Knicks today.

“I’m definitely looking forward to getting back out on that floor and shooting and running back in the arena, getting used to Wachovia again,” Webber said after Monday’s practice.

Webber had been limited since he was hit in the thigh at practice nearly two weeks ago, but went all out Monday and even stayed late to work out some post moves.

But the true test comes next week in the season opener against Milwaukee on Nov. 1. That’s when Webber can either begin to show the final 21 games of last year when he was misused and miserable were an aberration and he can regain his 20-point game form.

Suspect wins bail reduction

A Superior Court judge in Middletown, Conn., reduced the bail of a psychologist who is accused of conspiring to kill the stepfather of Seattle Supersonics basketball star Ray Allen.

Ernest C. Garlington, 37, had been held on $1.7 million bond. It was reduced to $750,000, which his lawyer said Garlington will be able to post.

Around the league

Magic star forward Grant Hill will fly to Los Angeles Wednesday to have his abdomen injury evaluated by groin/abdomen specialist Dr. Craig Smith. … The Bulls have exercised their fourth-year option on guard Kirk Hinrich for the 2006-07 season. Terms of the option were not disclosed. … Pacers center Jeff Foster likely will miss the start of the season for the second straight year, this time because of a sore Achilles’ tendon. … Clippers guard Shaun Livingston will be out four weeks because of a back injury.