Friday 3/11/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
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[superbeets]

Spanish La Liga TODAY 19:30

Malaga

v

Sp. Gijon

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		4/7	3	5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MALAGA	RECENT FORM
HWALHDADHLAD​ Most recent​	1 - 0 2 - 0 1 - 1 1 - 0	HDHLADHLALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Gijon have not won any of their last seven matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Mid-table Malaga have gone five games without a win but should have a spring in their step after bagging a late leveller in Saturday's 3-3 draw at Deportivo and can follow up by beating lowly Gijon. Three successive defeats have left Gijon second from bottom and their poor run looks likely to continue.

RECOMMENDATION: Malaga
1

 

[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 19:45

Juventus

v

Sassuolo

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		4/11	7/2	10	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT JUVENTUS	RECENT FORM
HWADHDHWAL*AW​ Most recent​	1 - 0 4 - 0	HLHDADHWAWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Juventus have won 17 of their last 18 league matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Serie A leaders Juventus are in stunning form but this is a tricky contest with the Old Lady facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League next week. Sassuolo, who have won their last three games including a win over Milan, are excellent on the counter attack. The visitors have scored in 15 of their last 17 matches.

RECOMMENDATION: Juventus to win 2-1
1

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[superbeets]

English FA Cup TODAY 19:55

Reading

v

C Palace

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BBC1		9/4	12/5	11/8	More markets

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT READING	RECENT FORM
HDHWHWAWHDAL​ Most recent​	2 - 2 3 - 0 2 - 4 4 - 2	ADHLAWALADHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Palace have lost just six of 17 away games this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Crystal Palace’s slide has been frustrating to watch, but there doesn’t look to be much fundamentally wrong with their squad and they can grind out a win in this FA Cup quarter-final. Reading blow hot and cold and are in the middle of a good run, but they may lack the firepower to shock the Eagles.

RECOMMENDATION: Crystal Palace
1


REFEREE: Mike Dean STADIUM:

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[superbeets]

Premier League Sa 12Mar 12:45

Norwich

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Man City

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		5	16/5	3/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT NORWICH	RECENT FORM
HLALHDALHLAL​ Most recent​	0 - 3 0 - 0 3 - 4 1 - 6	HLALAWND*ALHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Eight of Man City’s last nine away games have featured three or more goals

EXPERT VERDICT: It will be tough for Norwich to turn around this year’s disastrous form and, despite Manchester City’s struggles, the Canaries should come up short. However, the visitors have a Champions League tie three days after this and may rest players, so that could lead to an open affair.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
1


REFEREE: Jonathan Moss STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Premier League Sa 12Mar 15:00

Bournemouth

v

Swansea

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		19/20	5/2	10/3	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT BOURNEMOUTH	RECENT FORM
HLHLHLADHWAW​ Most recent​	1 - 4 2 - 2 0 - 1 3 - 0	ADHDHLALAWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Sigurdsson has scored in six in his last ten games

EXPERT VERDICT: Bournemouth lack a consistent hitman, with Callum Wilson their top scorer despite having been out since September. Swansea are in form, picking up 14 of a possible 24 points since Francesco Guidolin took charge, and this could end in similar fashion to the 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
2


REFEREE: Roger East STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Premier League Sa 12Mar 15:00

Stoke

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Southampton

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		17/10	11/5	19/10	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT STOKE	RECENT FORM
ALHLAWHWHWAD​ Most recent​	2 - 1 2 - 3 1 - 1 3 - 3	ADHWAWHLALHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Southampton have scored only 11 goals on their travels this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Southampton’s season seems to be fizzling out; they’ve gone three games without a victory and could only draw with Sunderland last time out. Stoke are unbeaten in four Premier League games and have lost just once in seven league meetings with the Saints.

RECOMMENDATION: Stoke
3


REFEREE: Mike Jones STADIUM:

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL notebook: Hall of Famer Gadsby dies at 88
By The Sports Xchange

Hockey Hall of Famer Bill Gadsby, who played 20 seasons in the NHL, died at the age of 88 on Thursday.
Gadsby's death was announced by the Detroit Red Wings, who he played for from 1961-66 and served as coach from 1968-70.
Gadsby, who had 130 career goals and 568 points, also played for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1946-54 and New York Rangers from 1954-61. He was a three-time first-team All-Star and a four-time second-team All-Star.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1970.

---Colorado Avalanche forward and captain Gabriel Landeskog was suspended for three games without pay for his cross-check against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Simon Despres. The incident happened at 11:29 of the third period in Wednesday night's game in Denver.
Because Landeskog is considered a repeat offender, he will lose $203.832.75 of his salary. He received a two-game suspension earlier this season for an illegal check to the head of Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand.
The 23-year-old Landeskog ranks third on the team in scoring this season with 46 points (17 goals, 29 assists).

---Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has been suspended three games without pay for aggressive behavior in a recent contest, the NHL announced.
Nurse violated Rule 46.2 (Aggressor) during an altercation with San Jose Sharks defenseman Roman Polak during Tuesday's game. He received a major penalty for fighting and a minor penalty for roughing.
Nurse will forfeit $13.924.74 in pay. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Penguins (34-24) at Blue Jackets (28-31)

Date: March 11, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Sidney Crosby didn't get a chance to renew his rivalry with Brandon Dubinsky the last time the Pittsburgh Penguins met the Columbus Blue Jackets.

That should change this time while the Blue Jackets are also expected to give Sergei Bobrovsky his first start since Jan. 21 in Friday night's home meeting with the Penguins.

These teams last met Dec. 21 when Pittsburgh (34-24-8) won 5-2 at home, giving the club its first victory in five tries since Mike Sullivan took over as coach for Mike Johnston. It also ended the Blue Jackets' three-game win streak in this series that included a pair of 2-1 victories in November.

Columbus (28-31-8) has won a season-high four straight at home.

"Obviously they're a good team, they're playing well right now," Sullivan said. "They're beating a lot of good teams. They skate well, they're a physical team, they play a straight-ahead game."

Crosby sat out his first game of the season with a lower-body injury that kept him out of the Dec. 21 matchup. It came after the previous meeting Nov. 27 featured some controversy, with Dubinsky cross-checking Crosby in the head to draw a one-game suspension. Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella added some heat to the incident by accusing the Penguins of complaining to the league offices.

Dubinsky and Crosby also fought each other last season, resulting in just the sixth fighting major of Crosby's career. He said there is more of a rivalry between these teams since they met in the postseason two years ago.

"It's developed into one of the division rivalries and playoffs probably has a lot to do with that," Crosby said. "I think, just like I said, the fact that we've had close games and intense games over the years has probably built that up a bit over the years."

Columbus plans to start Bobrovsky, who has been out for an extended period of time with a groin injury. He is eager to get back onto the ice.

"I had a few practices with the team," Bobrovsky told the Blue Jackets' official website. "I didn't have any restrictions, so I feel like I can stretch, I can push hard and I don't feel anything, so I felt like my body is ready to go."

Bobrovsky has posted a 1.94 goals-against average in winning his last four regular-season starts against the Penguins.

His primary aim may be to contain Crosby, who has 10 points in a six-game streak. Crosby has 13 in an eight-game regular-season run at Columbus.

Evgeni Malkin has 17 points in 13 career regular-season games versus the Blue Jackets, with a two-goal effort in January. The Penguins have won four of seven since Malkin returned Feb. 27 after missing 10 games with a lower-body injury.

Pittsburgh is also getting closer to full strength since Beau Bennett, Ben Lovejoy and Eric Fehr are all nearing returns.

"They're difficult decisions but they're good problems to have when you have people playing well that you think have made contributions and you've got these guys coming off injury that have played well at the same time," Sullivan said.

The Penguins fell 2-1 at the New York Islanders on Tuesday in their last game while the Blue Jackets had a 5-3 victory over Detroit the same day in which Cam Atkinson scored twice and Dubinsky had two assists.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Flyers (31-23) at Lightning (39-23)

Date: March 11, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

After ending Tampa Bay's franchise-record nine-game winning streak, the Philadelphia Flyers can continue their surge if they avoid a ninth straight road loss to the Lightning.

The Flyers also could send the Lightning to their worst losing streak since October on Friday night.

Philadelphia (31-23-11) completed a 5-1 homestand by scoring three times in the third period to beat Tampa Bay 4-2 on Monday.

"We're playing with confidence and we're sure of ourselves right now," forward Wayne Simmonds told the Flyers' official website. "It's a good way to be feeling going down the stretch here."

Simmonds has 10 points during a 7-2-1 stretch for Philadelphia, which is ninth in the Eastern Conference and very much within striking distance of both wild-card spots. The Flyers now face both Florida teams - both among the East's top six - on back-to-back nights as they hit the road for the first time since Feb. 23.

"This is going to be a great test for us going down (to Florida) for two really tough games," said Steve Mason, who has allowed two goals in two games after being benched in five straight. "That starts with a real tough game against the Lightning."

Mason made 16 saves Monday and had 29 in the teams' other meeting but let defenseman Jason Garrison score in overtime of a 3-2 loss at Tampa Bay (39-23-5) on Oct. 8.

The Flyers have totaled 14 goals during an 0-6-2 skid at Tampa, but the last two were decided by one goal each. A victory Friday would let Philadelphia win the season series for the first time since 2009-10.

The Lightning had won a team-record nine straight before Monday's lackluster effort against the Flyers, and they followed with a 1-0 overtime loss to Boston one night later.

"That's not who we are as a team," forward Brian Boyle said of the performance at Philadelphia. "We don't show that very often if at all."

Boyle felt the effort was significantly better against the Bruins, one of the teams they're battling for the Atlantic Division lead.

"It's unfortunate we couldn't get two (points) tonight, but we had our chances," he said. "We competed pretty hard. We're still trying to work to get better before the playoffs start."

Tampa Bay fell to 12-2-1 at home in 2016 and now could lose three straight overall for the first time since a season-high 0-3-1 slide Oct. 24-31.

Ben Bishop, who sat out at Philadelphia, made 32 saves as his six-game winning streak ended Tuesday. He has a 1.42 goals-against average in those last seven starts and stopped 23 shots against the Flyers in October.

While Bishop has had a hand in Tampa Bay killing 67 of its last 73 penalties, the power play has failed to score in five straight games and is 4 for 51 in the last 16. The Lightning are 1 for 5 against the Flyers this season.

Steven Stamkos has not recorded a point in three consecutive games - his longest drought since Tampa's four-game skid in October - and didn't have any in the first two with the Flyers.

Philadelphia's Shayne Gostisbehere scored twice Monday. He recorded one point in the previous six that followed a 15-game point streak. His 14 goals - in 47 games - are a team record for a rookie defenseman.

'He's learning fast,' said captain Claude Giroux, who had two assists Monday. 'He listens. When a young player comes in and wants to get better and listens to the people around him, good things are going to happen.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Ducks (37-20) at Blues (39-20)

Date: March 11, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

It's no secret that the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks have used outstanding special teams as a major part of their success.

These are the league's top teams on the penalty kill and have also fared well on the power play heading into Friday night's matchup in St. Louis.

Anaheim (37-20-9) is at 86.6 percent on the penalty kill and St. Louis at 86.4. They are among the league's best with the man advantage as well, with the Ducks at 22.9 and Blues at 22.4.

St. Louis (39-20-9) showed how tough it can be on the penalty kill by limiting red-hot Chicago to 1 for 4 on the power play in Wednesday's 3-2 shootout victory. Jake Allen stopped the first seven shots he saw with the Blues a man down, and the only power-play goal St. Louis yielded came during a 5-minute penalty to Ryan Reaves.

'Our penalty killers did a heck of a job,' coach Ken Hitchcock said. 'That's a power play that's what, in the last 10 games, is 50 percent almost? Their numbers are incredible. The whole penalty kills, the two 2-minute penalties and the 5-minute penalty, I thought we did a great job.'

The league has rescinded Reaves' game misconduct from that contest.

David Backes and Troy Brouwer scored on the power play as St. Louis improved to 15 for 44 (34.1 percent) in its last 14 games.

The Blues continue to play without Alexander Steen, second on the club with 47 points. Steen has missed the last seven games with an upper-body injury.

Anaheim has lost consecutive games for the first time since Dec. 21-22 after Wednesday's 3-0 defeat at Colorado in the opener of a two-game trip. It came two days after the Ducks' franchise-best 11-game win streak ended with a 2-1 shootout defeat to Washington.

The Ducks were shut out for the first time in 27 games Wednesday.

'We weren't prepared to play tonight. Simple as that,' center Ryan Getzlaf said. 'They played well and we didn't show up to play.'

Anaheim is 0 for 7 on the power play in its last two games after going 19 for 43 during the win streak.

Corey Perry has gone three straight games without a point after a three-game stretch in which he had eight that followed a four-game pointless run.

Ducks center Shawn Horcoff is eligible to return after serving a 20-game suspension for violating the terms of the NHL's performance-enhancing substances program. Horcoff has 10 points in 45 games.

Defenseman Sami Vatanen, third on the team with 37 points, suffered an upper-body injury Wednesday and did not return. He will be re-evaluated before this game.

These teams have split two meetings, with St. Louis winning 2-1 at home Oct. 29 and Anaheim responding with a 4-3 shootout win Jan. 8. The Blues are 0 for 9 on the power play in those games and the Ducks 2 for 9.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blackhawks (41-21) at Stars (40-20)

Date: March 11, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

An already dramatic Central Division race is about to get a little more exciting.

Sole possession of first place will be on the line when the Dallas Stars host the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night, though the winner may not be able to stake that claim for long.

A mere one point separates the Western Conference's top three teams entering this marquee matchup, with charging St. Louis gaining ground following Wednesday's 3-2 shootout win over the Blackhawks. The Stars will host the Blues on Saturday night.

Both Chicago (41-21-6) and Dallas (40-20-8) have allowed the Blues to close the gap with uneven recent results. The Blackhawks are 3-3-1 over a seven-game stretch while the Stars were dealt an eighth loss in 11 with Tuesday's 4-3 overtime defeat at struggling Montreal.

"Tough game on the road and I think it is good to get a point, but we've got to find a way to win that game," center Jason Spezza told the Stars' official website. "Whether it is in overtime or the couple chances we had in the third, that is a game we should be winning."

The Blackhawks, meanwhile, couldn't protect a 1-0 lead after two periods against St. Louis, though they still managed to earn an important point when Artemi Panarin tied it with 1:17 left and goaltender Corey Crawford pulled for an extra skater.

'We're disappointed we gave up the lead,' coach Joel Quenneville said. 'And then you score with the goalie out you've got to be pretty happy on the road."

The Blues scored both their late goals on the power play, further exposing Chicago's primary recent weakness. The Blackhawks have killed just 61.1 percent of short-handed chances in 12 games since Feb. 9, the NHL's lowest mark over that span.

A defensive decline can also explain Dallas' drop-off, as it's surrendered a league-high 40 goals over 10 contests since Feb. 18. Already without defensemen John Klingberg and Jordie Benn due to lower-body injuries, the Stars had their backline further thinned when Jason Demers suffered a potentially long-term shoulder injury Tuesday.

Dallas also is dealing with slumps from its top two forwards. Tyler Seguin is a minus-seven over a season-high five-game streak without a point and Jamie Benn hasn't scored in a season-high seven straight.

Spezza has been producing of late, recording a goal in four straight and tallying seven in his last eight, and the Stars may have ex-Blackhawk Patrick Sharp (lower body) back from a three-game absence.

Chicago's Marian Hossa, sidelined nine games with a lower leg injury, also may play after returning to practice on Tuesday.

Crawford has allowed two goals or less in five consecutive starts and had 36 saves in a 5-1 win at Dallas on Feb. 6. He was removed after one period in a 4-2 home loss to the Stars five days later, though, with Patrick Eaves registering a hat trick during a four-goal opening frame.

The Stars won the teams' initial 2015-16 meeting 4-0 behind Antti Niemi's 20 saves. The former Blackhawk hasn't played since March 1, however, and has a 4.68 goals-against average over his last five starts.

Kari Lehtonen has worked Dallas' last three games, stopping 41 of 44 shots in wins over New Jersey and Ottawa prior to Tuesday's 24-save effort. He had a season-high 44 saves in the Feb. 11 win in Chicago.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Coyotes (28-32) at Flames (28-34)

Date: March 11, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

If the Arizona Coyotes are to improve to 4-0 against the Calgary Flames this season, they'll need to end the longest road losing streak in franchise history.

The Coyotes look to avoid an 11th consecutive road defeat Friday night against the Flames, who are trying to win back-to-back home games for the first time in more than two months.

It appeared Arizona would prevent its road slide from reaching a club-record 10 games Wednesday, but the visitors failed to hold a 2-0 lead en route to a 3-2 overtime loss to Vancouver.

'It's certainly frustrating,' forward Alex Tanguay said. 'When you are up 2-0 on the road you have to make sure you play solid, you don't get lost, you play the position."

Losers of nine of 10 overall, the Coyotes (28-32-7) have totaled 18 non-shootout goals in the last 12 road games.

Tanguay has been one of the few offensive bright spots with two goals and three assists in three games since coming over from Colorado on Feb. 29. Tanguay, who spent five seasons over two stints with Calgary, assisted on Arizona's third power-play goal in 11 road contests Wednesday.

"He makes good plays," coach Dave Tippett told the Coyotes' official website. "There (are) plays that are there that some players make and some don't, and he has a knack of making good plays ... He's contributed since he's got here. That's good to see."

Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson had a goal in each of the Coyotes' first three meetings with Calgary (28-34-5), but the team points leader could miss a second straight contest with an upper-body injury.

Louis Domingue has posted a 3.75 goals-against average during his 0-8-1 road losing streak but stopped 51 of 53 shots in the last two against the Flames.

Two points behind Arizona, Calgary has earned one in three straight contests and ended an 0-1-2 home skid with Wednesday's 3-2 overtime victory over Nashville. Johnny Gaudreau scored twice in a 10-second span of the first period and assisted on Mikael Backlund's winner.

Calgary hasn't won two in a row at home since an 11-game run Nov. 5-Dec. 27. It last won two straight overall during a three-game winning streak Feb. 6-11.

"We have to play our hardest every single game," Gaudreau told the NHL's official website. "There are a lot of expectations in this locker room to finish the season out strong, get a good summer in and be ready for next year."

With 66 points in 66 games, Gaudreau has surpassed his 64 from last season's stellar rookie season. A league-high 48 of those points have come at home.

'I just love playing in front of our fans,' said Gaudreau, whose 26 goals are two more than last season. 'Whether we lose or win, they're proud of us. So for me, the best gift to give back to them in a losing season is work my hardest each night and show them some creativity and excitement.'

Though Gaudreau was shut out in a 4-1 loss at Arizona on Feb. 12, he has two goals and two assists in the last three at home against the Coyotes.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Grand Salami - March

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.


NHL GRAND SALAMI
Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
3/1 8 48.5 49 OVER
3/2 3 16.5 17 OVER
3/3 12 65.5 69 OVER
3/4 3 15.5 20 OVER
3/5 11 58 62 OVER
3/6 6 30.5 34 OVER
3/7 7 36 38 OVER
3/8 8 44.5 41 UNDER
3/9 6 32.5 32 UNDER
3/10 6 - - -
3/11 5 - - -
3/12 12 - - -
3/13 3 - - -
3/14 6 - - -
3/15 8 - - -
3/16 6 - - -
3/17 8 - - -
3/18 6 - - -
3/19 11 - - -
3/20 7 - - -
3/21 4 - - -
3/22 10 - - -
3/23 2 - - -
3/24 11 - - -
3/25 3 - - -
3/26 14 - - -
3/27 3 - - -
3/28 8 - - -
3/29 9 - - -
3/30 3 - - -
3/31 10 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Columbus won four of last six games. Penguins are 4-0 in game following last four wins.
-- Philadelphia won five of its last six games.
-- St Louis won its last four games, scoring 16 goals.

Cold teams
-- Tampa Bay lost its last two games, after winning its previous eight.
-- Anaheim lost its last two games, scoring one goal, after winning 11 in a row.
-- Chicago lost three of its last four road games. Dallas lost five of its last seven games.
-- Arizona lost nine of its last ten games. Calgary lost eight of its last ten.

Series records
-- Blue Jackets won five of last seven games with Pittsburgh.
-- Flyers lost seven of last nine games with Tampa Bay.
-- Ducks won six of their last eight games with St Louis.
-- Dallas Stars won four of last five games with Chicago.
-- Coyotes won their last three games with Calgary.

Totals
-- Five of last six Columbus games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Flyer-Lightning games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Anaheim-St Louis games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Dallas-Chicago games went over.
-- Eight of last ten Arizona-Calgary games stayed under.

Back-to-backs
-- None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA notebook: Kings suspend Cousins; Karl undergoes cancer procedure
By The Sports Xchange

As Sacramento coach George Karl missed practice Thursday to undergo a procedure related to a cancer in his throat, the Kings announced a one-game suspension for center DeMarcus Cousins apparently because of his actions the previous night.
Cousins' suspension was for "conduct detrimental to the team," Kings vice president of operations and general manager Vlade Divac said in a statement. Cousins will miss Friday night's game against the Orlando Magic.
The Kings did not specify the reason for the suspension, but Cousins received a technical on Wednesday night, his 15th of the season. He also had words with Karl during a timeout.
Karl, 64, battled throat cancer that was detected in 2010 and earlier battled prostate cancer in 2005.
Karl said no when asked if the procedure was serious, according to the Sacramento Bee. Divac told the newspaper that the team likely wouldn't know test results for a "couple days."

---Milwaukee Bucks guard O.J. Mayo will be sidelined the remainder of the season after breaking his right ankle on Thursday.
According to the Bucks, Mayo accidentally tripped heading down the stairs of his home on Thursday morning.
In 41 games (24 starts) this season, Mayo averaged 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.17 steals in 26.6 minutes of work.

---Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Lovellette passed away Wednesday night after a battle with cancer. He was 86.
Lovellette was a four-time NBA All-Star who was part of three NBA title teams. He averaged 17 points and 9.5 rebounds while playing 12 seasons (1953-64) for the Minneapolis Lakers, Cincinnati Royals, St. Louis Hawks and Boston Celtics.
Lovellette was the first player in basketball history to play on NCAA, Olympics and NBA championship squads. He led Kansas to the 1952 NCAA title.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nets (18-46) at 76ers (8-56)

Date: March 11, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Though the Brooklyn Nets have been on the road for what seems like an eternity, the Philadelphia 76ers have gone even longer since last experiencing a win.

The Nets conclude the longest trip of any team this season with Friday night's matchup against a 76ers team looking to avoid a 14th consecutive loss.

Brooklyn (18-46) has started to feel the effects of a nine-game, 18-day trek that began Feb. 23 against Portland. After allowing Minnesota to shoot 68.4 percent - the highest by any team in 18 years - in a 132-118 loss Saturday, it failed to hold to a 16-point halftime lead in Tuesday's 104-99 defeat to Toronto.

The Atlantic Division-leading Raptors closed the gap by outscoring the Nets 36-22 in the third quarter, then held Brooklyn to 38.9 percent shooting in the fourth while forcing 12 second-half turnovers.

"We had a good showing," center Brook Lopez said. "Unfortunately they went on that huge run and we weren't able to claw quite back into it.'

After being rested along with Thaddeus Young against Minnesota, Lopez kept the Nets in it with 35 points. He's averaging 24.3 on the trip.

The Nets did have a chance to briefly return home prior to making the 100-mile jaunt to Wells Fargo Center, where they were dealt a 103-98 loss in their last visit Feb. 6.

Philadelphia (8-56) hasn't won since, enduring its longest skid since its 0-18 start. It's allowed 116.7 points over the last 12 losses and is struggling offensively as well with Jahlil Okafor sidelined by a shin contusion and a sore knee.

Okafor has missed five straight games.

"I think this knee situation is obviously a concern to all of us," coach Brett Brown said following Wednesday's 118-104 loss to Houston. "I'm sure like all of us the path of what it actually means, who knows. Once we can figure that all out, me, the media, Jahlil most importantly, I think that he'll be in a far better place."

Okafor, averaging a team-high 17.5 points, scored 22 in each of Philadelphia's two meetings with Brooklyn this season and grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds in last month's victory.

The 76ers did have Nerlens Noel back for the Houston game after he missed the previous two with a knee injury. The young forward had 17 points and nine rebounds in his return and scored 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting Feb. 6.

Okafor's absence has led to increased production from Ish Smith. The point guard has averaged 22.7 points over his last three and scored 11 of his 21 against Houston in the fourth quarter, helping the Sixers cut a 16-point deficit to two with 4:37 left.

Philadelphia also has become more perimeter-oriented without its starting center, averaging 11.0 3-pointers made and 32.0 attempts over the five games.

Young, who spent his first seven seasons with Philadelphia from 2007-14, has totaled 40 points and 21 rebounds in the season series. He had 18 points and 11 boards in the Nets' 100-91 home win Dec. 10.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pistons (33-31) at Hornets (35-28)

Date: March 11, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

If the Charlotte Hornets post their first six-game win streak in six seasons, it's a good chance it will be because of a big performance by Kemba Walker.

In a matchup of potential playoff teams, Walker seeks to score at least 30 points for the fifth straight game Friday night when the Hornets host the Detroit Pistons.

Charlotte (35-28) can win six in a row for the first time since March 5-14, 2010. Walker is averaging 31.6 points during the win streak, including a mark of 33.0 in his run of 30-point efforts in which he's shooting 52.6 percent while making 17 of 34 3-pointers.

'He's a different shooter,' coach Steve Clifford said. 'He's put so much work in and right now he's in such a rhythm.'

Walker has been the catalyst for a Charlotte club that has won 13 of 16 to move into contention for a Southeast Division crown, trailing Miami by 1 1/2 games. The Hornets, who made the postseason two years ago, have never won a division title.

'We're healthy, we want to win, we are motivated and we want to get to the playoffs,' Walker said. 'I can't say much more.'

Walker had 35 points with seven assists and seven rebounds without a turnover in Wednesday's 122-113 home victory over New Orleans.

The Hornets are averaging 116.6 points on 47.5 percent shooting in this win streak. Charlotte's average speed on offense of 4.68 miles per hour, which includes all movements, is one of the league's best marks.

"Our offense right now is good, not only are we scoring, moving the ball but 21 assists and five turnovers (Wednesday), we're playing at a good pace," Clifford said.

Detroit (33-31) can move within 1 1/2 games of Charlotte in the tightly bunched Eastern Conference. The Pistons opened a four-game trip Wednesday with their sixth victory in eight games, 102-96 over Dallas.

Andre Drummond had 25 points and 17 rebounds for his league-best 54th double-double. Tobias Harris added 19 points for Detroit, which won its 33rd game - one more than all of last season.

'We've got a younger team,' Drummond said. 'Stan (coach Stan Van Gundy) has done a good job of bringing in guys that can really spread the floor. We have a lot of shooters on the team. It makes teams really think about who you're going to match up with.'

These clubs are similar in that neither ranks high in field-goal percentage, with Charlotte shooting 43.4 percent and Detroit at 43.7. They both shoot plenty of 3-pointers, with the Hornets averaging 29.4 to lead all East clubs and the Pistons averaging 26.3.

It's no secret that Clifford adopted his approach after he was an assistant to Van Gundy in Orlando between 2007-12.

"Everybody talks about Mike D'Antoni, who is terrific," Clifford said. "Stan was the guy, we played four-out before anybody played four-out, we shot a ton of 3s."

The Pistons are hoping top scorer Reggie Jackson works his way out of some woes in which he is averaging 10.0 points on 25.6 percent shooting in his last three road games. He had a season-low four on 2-of-9 shooting in a 104-84 loss at Charlotte on Dec. 7.

The Hornets, who are seeking their second seven-game home win streak of the season, have taken six of the last eight meetings with Detroit.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockets (32-32) at Celtics (39-26)

Date: March 11, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Boston Celtics' longest home win streak in 25 seasons has propelled them to a lofty position in the Eastern Conference.

The Houston Rockets have a firmer hold on the West's final playoff spot thanks to a rare road win streak.

They'll seek to extend it Friday night by ending the Celtics' 14-game run at TD Garden.

Boston was tied for ninth in the East and one game back of the final playoff position before its streak began Jan. 13. The Celtics (39-26) have since vaulted to third due greatly to their longest run at home since an 18-gamer in 1990-91.

"We knew if we played the way we can play, we would be in a great position," guard Evan Turner said. "I don't think we look at ourselves as the third seed or I don't think we look at ourselves as better than anybody. We have lost to teams that are technically not the best teams. We understand that we're not satisfied."

Boston outscored a depleted Memphis team 31-12 in the third quarter Wednesday en route to a 116-96 victory. Isaiah Thomas had 16 of his 22 points in that period and led seven Celtics in double figures.

"At the end of the day, if it's an ugly win or a good win, we want to come out on top," Turner said. "We want to try to play the right way and keep getting better for the big picture."

The Celtics have averaged 112.4 points during the home streak.

Houston (32-32) has averaged 115.5 during just its third road win streak of the season, beating Toronto and Philadelphia. Wednesday's 118-104 victory over the 76ers saw Jason Terry score seven points in the Rockets' game-ending 13-1 run and helped extend their lead on eighth place in the West to three games over Utah.

"We've just got to continue to do the things that we're doing that's making us successful," said James Harden, who had 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. "Defensively, we're really keying and shutting teams down. And offensively, we're sharing the basketball, moving around and guys are just playing well."

The Rockets, 15-18 away from home, have won three straight on the road just once, from Jan. 4-17. They've won their last two visits to Boston but had a four-game overall win streak in the series snapped with a 111-95 defeat Nov. 16 as Harden and Dwight Howard were held to a combined 21 points.

Harden has averaged 34.7 in Houston's last 12 games, and Howard has added 17.9 points with 12.8 rebounds in that span. Howard has scored 21 in each of the past two wins.

Boston likely won't have Kelly Olynyk available to help guard Houston's big man this time as he reportedly continues to have trouble with his right shoulder, an injury that's kept him out since Feb. 10. Starting center Jared Sullinger played Wednesday after missing back-to-back practices because of a skin infection.

Thomas has averaged 27.8 points in the last four games, hitting 11 of 23 from 3-point range, and scored a game-high 23 against Houston.

Harden's career average of 12.7 points in Boston is his lowest in any city, and he's shot 25.6 percent in his last two games there.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pelicans (24-39) at Grizzlies (38-26)

Date: March 11, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

As the injuries mount, the mettle of the Memphis Grizzlies continues to be challenged.

With backup point guard Mario Chalmers the latest contributor to go down, it's uncertain who of the banged-up Grizzlies will be available Friday night as they try to sweep the season series from the visiting New Orleans Pelicans.

While starter Mike Conley missed his second straight game with a sore foot, Chalmers exited in the third quarter of Wednesday's 116-96 loss at Boston with a foot injury. Chalmers, who averaged 14.5 points over a six-game stretch prior to Wednesday, left the locker room in a wheelchair and is expected to undergo an MRI on Thursday.

"Obviously to see another fallen soldier go down due to injury, it deflates you, takes a lot out of you," Memphis veteran Tony Allen said.

Though the Grizzlies (38-26) have a firm grasp on the fifth spot in the Western Conference, it's unknown who will be healthy when the playoffs begin next month.

Conley and forward Chris Andersen (shoulder), who also missed the past two games, are expected to be re-evaluated before their status for this contest is determined. It's also unknown if starter Zach Randolph (knee) will miss a third consecutive game. The Grizzlies already lost star Marc Gasol (broken foot) for the season, continue to play without backup Brandan Wright (knee) and could be minus Chalmers for some time.

"When it rains it pours," said Memphis' Matt Barnes, who had 12 points against Boston after missing Monday's 106-103 win at Cleveland with a hamstring issue.

Without a true point guard for most of the second half Wednesday, the Grizzlies shot 35 percent and committed nine turnovers while being outscored 64-41. They've dropped two of three and the only time they've lost two in a row over the last 32 games was Feb. 6 and 8.

Second-year forward JaMychal Green posted his second straight double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds Wednesday. Green averaged 5.9 points with 3.9 rebounds in his first 57 games, but 16.7 points in the last three and has pulled down 23 boards in two.

At or close to full strength, Memphis averaged 108 points and shot 51.3 percent to take the first three meetings from New Orleans (24-39). Randolph had 22 points with 12 rebounds and Conley added 17 with 10 assists in a 110-95 win at New Orleans on Feb. 1.

Though the Grizzlies might not have as easy a time if neither play, the Pelicans continue to feel the frustration amid their 1-5 stretch.

Anthony Davis had 40 points with 13 rebounds and Jrue Holiday scored a career-high 38 Wednesday as the Hornets rallied from 17 down before falling 122-113 at Charlotte.

"The effort was there," said coach Alvin Gentry, whose team has allowed an average of 110.5 points in the last 11 games. "We've just got to do a better job defensively."

Davis has averaged 33.3 points in three games and 11.8 boards in the last four. He hasn't scored more than 23 against the Grizzlies this season.

Holiday averaged 26.7 points with 7.7 assists in the last three, and went 22 of 41 from the field in the last two. He scored 23 in the 101-99 loss at Memphis on Jan. 18, then was held to four points on 1-of-14 shooting in the February matchup.