According to reports this afternoon the Philadelphia 76ers have targeted their next head coach. The team fired head coach Maurice Cheeks this past weekend after seeing the team get off to a dismal start despite acquiring the biggest free agent over the summer in Elton Brand.

Tony DiLeo has taken over for the rest of the season, but Sports Illustrated is reporting that Flip Saunders is the top choice to take over as head coach once the season ends.

Saunders most recently coached the Detroit Pistons, and was the head coach of the Eastern Conference All-Stars in 2006 - a team that had four Pistons starters on the roster and arguably could have had five. Saunders was fired at the end of last year's playoffs and replaced by current head coach Michael Curry.

Eddie Jordan is also on the Sixers' short list, but the job is reportedly Saunders' if he wants it.

Help Coming For Toronto

The Toronto Raptors got some welcome - and relieving - news today. This summer they acquired the draft rights to Australian product Nathan Jawaii to help their front court, but a preseason heart concern has sidelined him until now.

The heart condition, detected during a routine preseason cardiac screening, was thought to potentially career-ending, but after careful monitoring the Raptors have cleared him to begin phyical activity. He won't be jumping into the starting lineup any time soon, obviously, but he will be working his way into the rotation.

HOOPSWORLD had a chance to see Jawaii work out this summer alongside Jermaine O'Neal during summer league in Las Vegas, and Jawaii looks like the read deal. A true seven-footer with monstrous strength, he have O'Neal all he could handle in one-on-one drills.

This is great news for the Raptors, and it's always great to see a player overcome a health scare to get back on the court.

Walker's Buyout Situation

There is a widespread perception that the Memphis Grizzlies aren't particularly concerned about winning these days, preferring to let their young players run and gun and develop more quickly than they would if results were being held over their heads. To take is a step further, it's been suggested that the Grizzlies are buying out Antoine Walker because he's an older player, and regardless of whether he could help them win, they don't want to give an older player time on the court.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace reached out today to assure HOOPSWORLD readers that this simply isn't the case.

"It's presumptious to say that Antoine could help us win," said Wallace. "Young guys are our best bet for the present and for the future, as well. We have other options at power forward and we don't think he's the best one."

It's hard to argue that logic, as the team is beginning to come together with Darko Milicic and Darrell Arthur holding down the four spot and a plethora of young and promising talent at the three. The team posted four wins in a row prior to last night's loss to the New Orleans Hornets, and seems to be moving in the right direction.

First Look At Tonight's Action

Boston Celtics @ Atlanta Hawks: This is the big one. The teams are already swapping barbs in the media and preparing for a knock-down, drag-out brawl. You won't want to miss this game, airing on ESPN at 7:00 ET.

Golden State Warriors @ Indiana Pacers: The two former trading partners meet tonight with the Warriors looking a little bit lost at this point. The Pacers have been struggling, despite a recent win over the Lakers, and will look to defend their home court tonight.

Milwaukee Bucks @ Philadelphia 76ers: Michael Redd's return has the Bucks warming up, while the Sixers are still trying to figure things out.

Dallas Mavericks @ Toronto Raptors: The Mavericks have Josh Howard back, which will help, but the Raptors have a serious front court advantage.

Washington Wizards @ Detroit Pistons: Iverson just got his first fine as a Piston: $25,000 for cursing at a fan. Still, as much as the Pistons look set to unravel they should be able to beat the Wizards.

Utah Jazz @ New Jersey Nets: Carlos Boozer has suffered a setback and likely won't be in for this one, which is unfortunate for the Jazz. Devin Harris and Deron Williams will be the match-up to watch as Utah tries to pay back the Nets for a home loss earlier this season.

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Minnesota Timberwolves: This one's going to be ugly. Need I say more?

LA Clippers @ Chicago Bulls: The Clippers are rolling lately, and though Tyrus Thomas is finally playing his game the Bulls don't match up well at all in the paint with the Clippers.

San Antonio Spurs @ New Orleans Hornets: You couldn't ask for a much better follow-up to the Boston/Atlanta game than a showdown between the Hornets and Spurs - two of the West's top teams. This one's on ESPN at 9:30 ET.