All-Star game loses Iverson

A day after a shoulder injury forced the Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash out of Sunday’s All-Star game, Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson joined him Tuesday because of a sprained right ankle.

Seattle SuperSonics guard Ray Allen and Utah Jazz center Mehmet Okur were chosen by Commissioner David Stern to replace them.

New Jersey point guard Jason Kidd is uncertain for the game after the Nets announced that he would miss the final two games before the break because of a strained lower back.

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After criticizing Coach Eddie Jordan on Sunday for an overemphasis on defense, Washington Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas said he was frustrated over losing four of five games and called the spat a “little bump” for the team. Arenas’ remark drew rebukes within the team and led to a players-only meeting, plus a one-on-one meeting with Jordan.

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Pat Riley confirmed that he will return as coach of the Miami Heat on Feb. 21 at Houston after a six-week absence for knee and hip surgeries.... Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas did not travel and may miss games against Utah and the Lakers for personal reasons.... The Memphis Grizzlies traded center Jake Tsakalidis, 27, to the Houston Rockets for forward Scott Padgett, 29.... The San Antonio Spurs traded forward Eric Williams, 34, and a 2009 second-round draft pick to the Charlotte Bobcats for forward-center Melvin Ely, 28.... Philadelphia 76ers center Steven Hunter won’t need surgery on the left pinky he injured Sunday against Dallas and is expected to return next week.