Timberwolves’ Ryan Hollins is suspended

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Ryan Hollins was suspended Wednesday for two games after separate run-ins with the Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki and DeShawn Stevenson in their game Monday night.

Hollins punched Stevenson while boxing him out on a free throw in the second quarter. He then struck Nowitzki in the head with his left forearm late in the fourth quarter, drawing a Flagrant-2 foul and an ejection.

After the game, Nowitzki called Hollins “a little out of control, but that’s part of the game.”

Hollins has been starting for the Timberwolves in recent weeks and is averaging 6.8 points and 3.0 rebounds.

Surgery for Biedrins

The Golden State Warriors say center Andris Biedrins has undergone surgery to repair a small tear of an abdominal muscle. He probably is finished for the season.

If he does not return this season, his 16% free-throw shooting (four for 25 ) would be the worst in NBA history for a player with at least 20 attempts.

The previous low is held by Boston’s Garfield Smith (six of 31, 19.4% in 1971-72)

Karl stays home

Denver Coach George Karl stayed at home to receive treatment for cancer and did not make the trip to Minnesota for the Nuggets’ game against the Timberwolves on Wednesday.

Assistant Adrian Dantley filled in as head coach for the fourth time in his career and second time this season.

Karl, who has neck and throat cancer, had surgery on Monday to have a feeding tube inserted into his stomach.