Collins tells three vets to enjoy the shore

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — With seven exhibition games in 11 days, Sixers coach Doug Collins doesn’t want to wear out his players before the games really count.

So rather than send some of his veterans onto the floor for Saturday night’s warm-up game at Boardwalk Hall, Collins gave a couple of them the night off.

Shooters Jason Richardson and Dorell Wright are inactive for the game against the Nets along with center Andrew Bynum, who has yet to practice with his new teammates. Though the entire team and staff made the trip down the AC Expressway, Collins wants the stay down the shore to be a bit of a vacation for Richardson and Wright.

“We play six games in [10] nights,” Collins said. “J-Rich tweaked his ankle yesterday, but he could play. I’m going to sit Dorell and instead I’m going to start Royal [Ivey in the backcourt] with Jrue [Holiday].”

Collins has Kwame Brown starting at center alongside forwards Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes.

Though he won’t play a couple of his veterans, Collins will continue to take a look at some of combinations off the bench. For instance, Ivey is in the starting lineup because the coach wants to keep guard Nick Young with Thad Young, Lavoy Allen and Maalik Wayns together on the second unit.

Meanwhile, look for swingman Damien Wilkins, a darkhorse to make the team, to pick up some extra minutes against the Nets with Richardson and Wright out.

E-mail John R. Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com