Sports World: 02/19/10

Watch Belarus vs Sweden Live Streaming

Friday, February 19, 2010

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Time : 3:00 PM ET

For a team that has only two NHLers on its roster, Montreal's Sergei Kostitsyn and Ruslan Salei, who has played in two games for Colorado this season, Belarus hung tough against the Finns and at least made it a game going into the third period. It's no secret that Belarus is going to need absolutely unbelievable goaltending to pull out an upset in this tournament. Vitali Koval was good against the Finns with 40 saves.Koval will have to be great again against Sweden and the Belarusians are going to have to find someone other than Kostitsyn to put the puck in the net. Still, expect Belarus to play a very conservative game as they try to limit the uber-talented Swedes and hope to cash in on some mistakes or power plays.

One game down and it was a shutout, but still the Swedes have lots of questions to answer going forward. Will Forsberg develop chemistry with Henrik Zetterberg and Patric Hornqvist? Will Franzen stay on the fourth line? Will Mattias Weinhandl stick with the Sedin twins? Why did Mattias Ohlund and not Nicklas Lidstrom lead the Swedes in ice time against Germany? Can they stay out of the penalty box? Like we said, lots of questions. But, they can all be answered Friday against Belarus -- a game that's really just another tuneup for Rivalry Sunday when the Swedes face their border rivals, the Finns.

Watch Czech Republic vs Latvia Live Streaming

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Time : 7:30 PM ET

Thanks to Jagr, who isn't even on their top line here, the Czechs survived an often discombobulated first-game performance in their 3-1 victory over Slovakia. While defenseman Tomas Kaberle of the Toronto Maple Leafs uncorked several bombs from the left point, the Czechs' power play was largely ineffectual on its first five tries. On its sixth, Jagr nudged a puck into the slot for Tomas Plekanec to poke home just two seconds before the second-period horn. Moving Jagr onto the No. 1 power-play unit for that sixth try seemed to change the dynamic. Presumably, coach Vladimir Ruzicka will stick with that tactic against Latvia. Unlike in Torino four years ago, when he unexpectedly was pressed into service when Dominik Hasek went down with an injury, Tomas Vokoun has had a long time to think about being the CzechRepublic's No. 1 goalie for this tournament. He had no trouble handling the responsibility, turning aside 34 of 35 shots Wednesday night.

The Latvians have no medal hopes here. But they do have four chances to be giant-killers. Chance No. 1 didn't last very long - the lethal Russian attack struck early to take command of the Group B opener Tuesday night. Chance No. 2 comes against the Czechs. At least the Latvians still figure to be focused on the tournament. After stunningly tying the United States in their Olympic opener at Torino four years ago, the Latvians were outscored 26-8 over their next four games - seemingly as hung over by the initial result as their delirious, cowbell-clanging fans.

Watch Finland vs Germany Live Streaming

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Time : 11:55 PM ET

All eyes will be on Teemu Selanne, who is one point from breaking the Olympics points record. He tied the mark Wednesday afternoon with a secondary assist on Olli Jokinen's power-play goal to open the game. But, it was not Finland's top line -- featuring Selanne, Saku Koivu and Jere Lehtinen -- that did the damage in the first game. It was younger players Niklas Hagman and Mikko Koivu that provided the spark. While that will need to continue, Finland would like to see its top line find its groove before Sunday's winner-take-all game Group C match against rival Sweden.

After a very impressive effort in the 2-0 loss to defending gold-medal holder Sweden, German coach Uwe Krupp talked about wanting his team to be tough to play against. The Germans were certainly that in their first game, and the Finns can expect a healthy dose of the same on Friday. The Germans will still display an all-hands-on-deck philosophy in their own end and count on the goaltending of Greiss to keep them in the contest.

Watch Denver Nuggets vs Washington Wizards Live Streaming

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7:00 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

With George Karl joining them on the bench, the Denver Nuggets gave an inspired effort against the Eastern Conference’s top team. The Nuggets coach is expected to lead the team again Friday night in a bid for a sixth straight win over one of the East’s worst clubs, the host Washington Wizards. In his Karl’s first game since disclosing he has neck and throat cancer, the Nuggets snapped Cleveland’s 13-game win streak with Thursday night’s 118-116 overtime victory. Carmelo Anthony outdueled Cavaliers’ star LeBron James and capped a 40-point night by nailing the go-ahead basket with 1.9 seconds left.

During the win, Karl was battling nausea and headaches stemming from undergoing chemotherapy Tuesday, The Nuggets coach, who recently signed a contract extension, will have to sit out some games and practices during a rigorous six-week treatment regimen. He’s expected to miss Denver’s game at Golden State on Feb. 25 and in Minnesota on March 10, but he’s hoping to complete his recovery in time for the playoffs. Karl said being on the sidelines will help in his second battle with cancer.

Watch San Antonio Spurs vs Philadelphia 76ers Live Streaming

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7:00 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

Off to a strong start to the second half of the season, the San Antonio Spurs are looking to continue their push up the Western Conference standings. A matchup with the struggling Philadelphia 76ers should give them a good chance to do so. San Antonio tries for its third win in Philadelphia since 1999 on Friday night when it takes on the 76ers, who are trying to get back on track following a season-high winning streak. After closing the first half with a 111-92 victory over Northwest Division-leading Denver on Feb. 11, the Spurs continued their eight-game road stretch with a 90-87 win over Indiana on Wednesday.

Tony Parker, who missed the Denver game with a strained left hip flexor, scored 28 points in 39 minutes to keep San Antonio within a game of Southwest Division-leading Dallas. The Spurs have won three of four. Parker and the Spurs have not fared well in Philadelphia lately. San Antonio has lost seven of nine road matchups with the 76ers since the 1999-2000 season. In the teams’ last meeting in Philadelphia, Thaddeus Young scored 27 points and Andre Iguodala added 21 with eight assists and five rebounds in the 76ers’ 109-87 rout last Jan. 16. In 10th place in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia could use another strong effort against San Antonio after losing two straight following a season-best five-game winning streak.

Watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Bobcats Live Streaming

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7:00 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

The longest winning streak in the league this season is over, but the Cleveland Cavaliers will have a different look as they try to bounce back from their first loss in 14 games. They’d also prefer a different result against the Charlotte Bobcats. Cleveland has dropped two of three to the up-and-coming Bobcats, but will have newly acquired Antawn Jamison in the fold for the first timeFriday night at Time Warner Cable Arena in a potential first-round playoff preview. The Cavaliers didn’t have a game after the All-Star break until Thursday, but they were still busy leading up to that day’s trading deadline.

Looking for another scoring option alongside LeBron James, Mo Williams and Shaquille O’Neal, Cleveland sent Zydrunas Ilgauskas and a first-round draft pick to Washington for Jamison, who never averaged fewer than 19.6 points per game in six seasons with the currently hapless Wizards. Jamison wasn’t cleared to play in time for Denver’s visit Thursday, and Cleveland could have used him. Looking for a franchise-record 14th straight victory, the Cavaliers lost 118-116 in overtime despite James’ 43 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds. No player had recorded at least 40 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds in a game since Oscar Robertson had 42 points, 18 assists and 15 rebounds on Feb. 13, 1962.

Watch Toronto Raptors vs New Jersey Nets Live Streaming

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8:00 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

The Toronto Raptors felt that rust contributed to a loss in their first game after the All-Star break. They won’t be able to use that excuse this weekend when they face a pair of last-place teams. The Raptors hope to end a recent run of poor play in back-to-back games and hand the lowly New Jersey Nets a sixth straight home lossFriday night . Toronto went into the break as one of the league’s hottest teams, winning eight of nine to pull within four games of first-place Boston in the Atlantic Division. That momentum was halted in a 109-102 overtime loss to Memphis on Wednesday.

All-Star Chris Bosh had 32 points and 10 rebounds, but the other Raptors starters combined for 27 points. The Raptors fell behind by 12 after one quarter, with the starters putting them in a hole. Hedo Turkoglu scored one point in 29 minutes and missed all five of his shots. Jose Calderon led a strong bench effort with 12 points and nine assists, and reserves Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems each scored 10 points for the Raptors, who topped 100 for the franchise-record 18th straight game. Winning on the road at New Jersey shouldn’t be too difficult a task, although Toronto lost the first game of back-to-back sets five times in their last six tries. The Raptors return home to face Washington on Saturday.

Watch Dallas Mavericks vs Orlando Magic Live Streaming

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8:00 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

Caron Butler isn’t off to a great start with the Dallas Mavericks, but he could be in line for a big game his next time out. Butler looks to turn in another huge effort against the Orlando Magic in a matchup of division leaders at Amway Arena onFriday night . Dallas got Dirk Nowitzki some help over the All-Star break, acquiring Butler, center Brendan Haywood and guard DeShawn Stevenson from Washington. The Southwest Division-leading Mavericks have split two games with their new players, with Butler shooting 31.3 percent and averaging 14.0 points.

The veteran swingman, though, has excelled this season against Orlando, averaging 27.0 points in two wins for Washington. He scored 31 points and hit a 19-foot jumper with 0.5 seconds left to cap a rally from 21 down in a 92-91 win Feb. 10 in his last visit to Orlando. The Southeast Division-leading Magic remember that shot well. Haywood could be the bigger factor Friday as he’ll try to contain Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard, who averaged 21.5 points and 15.0 rebounds going up against the former Wizards big man this season. Haywood, though, was also fairly productive with averages of 11.5 points and 12.5 rebounds in those games.

Watch Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons Live Streaming

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8:00 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

In ninth place in the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks are still hoping to make the playoffs. The addition of another scoring threat should help. After dealing for John Salmons prior to the trade deadline, the Bucks try for their fourth win in six games when they visit the Detroit Pistons on Friday. Milwaukee hasn’t made the postseason since 2006, and it sits two games behind Charlotte for the eighth and final spot in the East. Staying in contention hasn’t been easy given the Bucks lost Michael Redd to a season-ending knee injury in January.

Although Milwaukee has won six of nine, it’s averaging only 94.3 points over that stretch, reaching 100 once. The Bucks are led in scoring by rookie Brandon Jennings, but he’s averaging 10.9 points this month. Milwaukee picked up another scoring threat when it acquired Salmons from Chicago on Thursday for Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander. Salmons has played in 51 games this season, averaging just over 12 points. He is scheduled to make $5.8 million next season if he doesn’t opt out of his contract.

Watch Miami Heat vs Memphis Grizzlies Live Streaming

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8:00 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

As the Memphis Grizzlies and many others made additions to their rosters at the trading deadline, the Miami Heat stood pat. Right now, they’re mostly concerned about a temporary subtraction. Dwyane Wade is unlikely to suit up Friday night in Memphis after straining his left calf in Miami’s latest game, giving the Heat a steep hill to climb as they look for a fifth straight victory. The Heat were reportedly interested in names such as Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer leading up to Thursday’s trade deadline, but ending the day without making a big splash didn’t bother team president Pat Riley.

The problem for Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra is that, right now, they aren’t. Wade suffered a strained calf midway through the first quarter of Miami’s game at New Jersey on Wednesday, ending his streak of 148 straight games scoring in double figures. Miami went on to win 87-84 behind 23 points from Michael Beasley, but the concern quickly shifted to Wade. He’s listed as day to day, but it appears doubtful that’ll he’ll suit up against the Grizzlies or Saturday at Dallas, the Heat’s fourth game in five nights.

Watch Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Hornets Live Streaming

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8:00 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

In 10th place in the Western Conference, the New Orleans Hornets are trying to make the postseason for the third straight year. Improving their play at home would certainly help their chances. The Hornets continue their four-game homestand Friday night against an Indiana Pacers team that has lost 19 of 23 on the road. New Orleans fell three games behind Portland for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West with a 98-90 loss to Utah on Wednesday. The Jazz outrebounded the Hornets 42-37 while shooting 54.3 percent from the field. Indiana coach Jim O’Brien can relate. The Pacers have been outrebounded by an average of 8.7 while dropping six of eight.

Indiana is looking to snap an overall three-game skid and four-game slide to the Hornets, but the Pacers have one of the league’s worst road records at 6-20. They play 10 of their next 13 away from Indianapolis. Facing such a poor road team could benefit the Hornets, who have dropped six of eight at home after winning 13 of 14 at New Orleans Arena. The loss of Chris Paul hasn’t helped. New Orleans has lost five of eight and four of five at home since the three-time All-Star was sidelined with a torn meniscus in his left knee. With Paul expected to be out at least another three weeks, Bower will continue to lean heavily on Darren Collison. The rookie from UCLA has been solid in Paul’s eight-game absence, averaging 19.9 points and 9.5 rebounds.

Watch Chicago Bulls vs Minnesota Timberwolves Live Streaming

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8:00 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

The Chicago Bulls worked toward their future by pulling off a pair of deadline deals Thursday. For the present, the Bulls are trying to remain in playoff contention and a trip to face the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night could help. Chicago sent former No. 4 overall pick Tyrus Thomas to Charlotte for a future first-round selection and the expiring contracts of Flip Murray and Acie Law. Earlier in the day, the Bulls shipped guard John Salmons and two second-round picks to Milwaukee for two more players with expiring contracts, Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander.

Those moves put the team about $18 to $20 million under the salary cap in advance of a free-agent class that could include LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and Carlos Boozer. The future is unknown for the four newcomers, but they’ll try to help the Bulls to their second straight playoff appearance and fifth in six seasons. Winners of four of five, Chicago is currently tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference with Miami. The Bulls helped themselves with a home-and-home sweep of the New York Knicks earlier this week, which included Wednesday night’s 115-109 road victory. Derrick Rose scored 27 points in his team’s seventh win in nine road games. He’s averaged 28.0 points since his first All-Star Game appearance and registered at least 21 in each of Chicago’s past four wins.

Watch Atlanta Hawks vs Phoenix Suns Live Streaming

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9:00 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

For weeks, Amare Stoudemire was rumored to be headed out of Phoenix. The Atlanta Hawks won’t get any such breaks. The Suns, who have taken a gamble by sticking with their star forward who could leave the team after this season, look to continue their home dominance of the Hawks on Friday night. Phoenix decided Stoudemire was too integral to its plans to succeed this postseason, letting Thursday’s trade deadline pass without dealing the veteran big man. Stoudemire was at the center of trade speculation, mostly because he can opt out of the final year of his contract worth $17.7 million next season.

Now the Suns will end up with nothing but extra money to spend in free agency if he decides to leave. General manager Steve Kerr decided that standing pat was the best option for Phoenix, which has a three-game lead for a Western Conference playoff spot with 27 games left. Stoudemire, averaging 21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds, did his best to handle the rumors. Though he has been facing constant questions about his status, the eight-year veteran has averaged 26.6 points and 11.7 rebounds over his last seven games.Stoudemire had 30 points and 14 rebounds in Phoenix’s 107-97 loss at Dallas on Wednesday night. The Suns have lost two of three after winning their previous five.

Watch Boston Celtics vs Portland Trail Blazers Live Streaming

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10:30 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

At 5-foot-9, Nate Robinson needs every bit of the jumping ability he brings to the Boston Celtics. In Marcus Camby’s case, the Portland Trail Blazers were clearly looking for a player with a little more size. With Robinson perhaps set to make his debut, the Celtics come off a win over the Western Conference’s top team to face the Trail Blazers and their newest acquisition Friday night at the Rose Garden. Boston got away with another subpar offensive game, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 87-86 on Thursday night. Ray Allen scored 12 of his 24 points in the third quarter against a Lakers team that was without injured star Kobe Bryant.

The Celtics, who were held under 90 points for the third time in four games, are hoping their new guard can provide a boost. Boston received Robinson and Marcus Landry in a trade with New York on Wednesday, giving up Eddie House, J.R. Giddens, Bill Walker and a future conditional second-round pick. Robinson is a three-time slam dunk champion and was a fan favorite in New York, but he fell out of favor with Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni earlier this season, being benched for 14 straight games in December. He gives the Celtics a spark off the bench, capable of performances such as his 41-point effort against Atlanta on Jan. 1. Robinson is averaging 13.2 points after posting a career-high 17.2 in 2008-09, when he scored at least 30 nine times.

Watch Utah Jazz vs Golden State Warriors Live Streaming

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10:30 pm EST Fri Feb 19, 2010

The Utah Jazz already have one of the NBA’s best home records, and their recent play on the road may make them even more dangerous in the Western Conference. The Jazz look to win six straight road games for the first time in eight years when they meet the Golden State Warriors for the first time this season Friday. Although it has the best home record in the NBA over the last four seasons, Utah hasn’t been nearly as successful on the road during that stretch, playing 19 games below .500. Recently, however, the Jazz have been outstanding outside of EnergySolutions Arena. They opened a four-game trip with a 104-95 win over Houston on Tuesday and beat New Orleans 98-90 on Wednesday.

Utah has improved to 12-12 on the road and is averaging 106.4 points and shooting 52.4 percent in its last seven games away from home after averaging 94.5 points and shooting 45.2 percent in the first 17. The Jazz, who have won 15 of 17 overall, haven’t won six straight on the road since Feb. 12-20, 2002. Paul Millsap led the Jazz on Wednesday, scoring 24 points on 11-of-13 shooting while adding eight rebounds, three steals and three blocked shots. Utah committed an uncharacteristic 22 turnovers and scored 17 points in the first quarter, but it ended the game on a 13-5 run.

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