After watching Williams play Friday in a minor league game, Manager Joe Torre declared him "playable."

In fact the band played two nights, Friday and Saturday, to sell out audiences.

The 76ers lead Boston by three and a half games and the Knicks, whom they play Friday night, by five and a half.

Barber will play sparingly Friday after an impressive first three games.

Nedved said he would practice with the team tomorrow and then decide if he will play Friday against Philadelphia at Madison Square Garden.

Phillips said he did not mind Vaughn's desire to play but conceded that he risked further injury by playing last Thursday and Friday.

The Knicks practice on Thursday, then play Friday at Detroit and Saturday at home against Philadelphia.

The 32-year-old defenseman is not expected to play Friday against Vancouver or Saturday in Calgary.

After playing Friday night, Piazza was 0 for 5, striking out three times and fouling out twice.

I was playing Monday and Friday last year, and pinch-hitting in between.