(My Sportsbook) - Even with prized free agent signee Elton Brand out for the season with the shoulder injury, the Philadelphia 76ers are finding ways to reach the win column. Tonight they will resume a seven-game homestand versus the Phoenix Suns from the Wachovia Center.

Brand is expected to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery soon and his injury may have been a blessing in disguise since the former Duke star was having problems fitting in with Philly's fast-paced offense. Brand missed 16 games with the shoulder problem before working his way back to the hardwood. However, pain and lack of motion range ultimately forced Brand out.

The Sixers are 3-2 so far on the residency and have won two straight, including Saturday's hard-fought 94-84 victory over the Miami Heat. Royal Ivey came off the bench and scored 10 of his 11 points in the fourth quarter to help the Sixers improve to 15-11 at home this season.

Fellow reserve Marreese Speights chipped in 15 points and six boards for the Sixers, who will also host the Memphis Grizzlies. Andre Miller posted 15 points and five assists, while Thaddeus Young and Andre Iguodala contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively, in the win. Philly is 12-4 over its last 16 games.

Meanwhile, the Suns will resume a three-game road trip Monday night and opened the trek with Sunday's 107-97 triumph at Detroit. Steve Nash handed out a season-high 21 assists and scored 15 points, as Phoenix completed a season sweep of the Pistons and won for the second straight game.

Shaquille O'Neal recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Jason Richardson had 21 points and Amare Stoudemire 18 in a winning cause. Stoudemire continues to stay poised amid trade rumors. The Suns also got 17 points out of Leandro Barbosa and 10 points from Grant Hill.

The Suns will also visit the Cleveland Cavaliers and are 14-11 away from the desert this season.

Phoenix and Philadelphia split a home-and-home series a year ago, while the Suns have won nine of 12 and 10 of the last 15 meetings. Phoenix has won four of its last six trips to the Wachovia Center.