Mobley, the former Cardinal Dougherty star, and Thomas, who played for the Sixers from 1997 to '99, were traded yesterday to the New York Knicks for forward Zach Randolph and former Temple guard Mardy Collins .

"We've been busy," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "We started out 2-9 and we're looking for ways to be more competitive."

The move overshadowed what was supposed to be a reunion of sorts - albeit chilly - between Sixers power forward Elton Brand and the Clippers, his former team. In July, Brand opted out of his deal with the Clippers and signed with the Sixers.

But the trade put a new spin on the night.

"It affects us because we were preparing for Mobley and Thomas," Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks said. "That doesn't feel good before the game. It'll be a little different."

"We're going out here to get a win, not thinking about the trade," guard Willie Green said. "I think that when teams are missing players, they often come together and play harder."

Ricky Davis started in place of Mobley. Thomas had been used largely in a reserve role.

No talk? There has been swirling talk that Dunleavy and Brand have not spoken since Brand spurned the Clippers.

Last night, sitting on the bench before the game, Dunleavy said he would be "more than happy to talk to Elton Brand any day, any time. If he walks by, I'll talk to him."

Dunleavy said there was no animosity. He said he just didn't understand why he hadn't heard from Brand.

Smith off crutches Sixers center Jason Smith , who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in August, finally is walking without crutches.

Nearly eight weeks after surgery, Smith is walking with a brace. He said he was doing weight-bearing exercises, including "minor step-ups" and biking with resistance.

- Kate Fagan