CHICAGO — The Bulls suspended forward Tyrus Thomas for their game against the Miami Heat because of conduct detrimental to the team.
Thomas’ suspension is another blow to a team that had lost three straight and was already short- handed up front for Saturday’s game, with Joakim Noah sidelined by plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The injury is expected to keep him out until after the all-star break.
Thomas, who missed seven weeks earlier this season with a broken left forearm, is averaging 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds over 25 games in his fourth season.
Sore ankle shelves Bryant.
Kobe Bryant missed the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night because of a sore left ankle.
Bryant, who had played in 235 consecutive games, originally sprained his ankle in Philadelphia last week. He aggravated it during Wednesday night’s victory over Charlotte when teammate Lamar Odom stepped on his foot.
Bryant played Friday night in the Lakers’ 126-113 loss to the Nuggets. The Lakers said Bryant would be evaluated again today.
Love hurts knee, but returns.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love left the game against Memphis with a left knee injury, but he returned a few minutes later after being looked at in the team’s locker room.
Love was hurt late in the third quarter Saturday when Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph lost his balance and rolled into the side of Love’s leg.
Knicks’ Hughes sidelined.
New York Knicks guard Larry Hughes missed Saturday night’s game against Cleveland because of a sprained left big toe.
Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said Hughes was injured in Friday night’s 114-107 loss to Milwaukee. Hughes scored two points in 20 minutes.
Hughes is averaging 9.6 points in 31 games, but he has been used sparingly since January.
Hawks-Wizards game postponed.
The game between the Atlanta Hawks and host Washington Wizards was postponed because of the blizzard that battered the Mid-Atlantic region.
The NBA said neither the Hawks nor the Wizards could fly to Washington after their games Friday night. The Wizards played at Orlando and the Hawks hosted the Bulls.
The game will be rescheduled on a date yet to be announced.
Pierce expected to play.
Celtics scoring leader Paul Pierce, who has missed two straight games because of a strained left foot, is expected to play today against the Orlando Magic.
Blazers lose Roy.
Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will miss the team’s next three games and the NBA All-Star Game because of a right hamstring injury.
The Associated Press
