Aaron McKie replaced Snow at point guard as the Sixers tried to gain the upper hand after splitting the first two games in Charlotte. Kevin Ollie also played some minutes at the point.

Snow injured the ankle during Game 1 last Saturday and aggravated it in Game 2 Monday. He wore a protective boot on the ankle this week and did not practice.

Sixers coach Larry Brown said Snow told him early Friday that he would not be able to play. Brown was not optimistic that Snow could return for Monday's Game 4.

"He was pretty shook up about it," Brown said. "To take a starter who plays 40 minutes off the team -- it hurts. And, he's one of the best defensive players in the NBA."

Snow averaged 14.5 points and 11 assists in the first two games of the series.

Brown said he would be reluctant to play Allen Iverson or Toni Kukoc at point guard even though both players can handle the position.

"We need Allen to score, not worry about the other things," Brown said. "Toni is great passer, but it's not about bringing the ball up. It's who is going to get back on defense, who is going to get you into your offensive sets, who is going to defend."