Embiid, Towns suspended

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and Minnesota Timberwolves center KarlAnthony Towns have each been suspended two games without pay for an on-court altercation and continued escalation.

Kiki VanDeWeghe, the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball operations, announced the suspensions a day after the undefeated 76ers’ 117-95 home victory over the Timberwolves.

The star players were ejected after tangling with 6:42 left in the third quarter and the 76ers ahead 75-55. Embiid shoved Towns, who answered with a punch that missed as both men fell to the floor. Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons jumped in and forcefully held Towns down as other players and coaches ran onto the court.

Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets said on ESPN’s “First Take” that he doesn’t plan on playing this season as he continues to rehabilitate from right Achilles tendon surgery.

Two Rutgers softball coaches, a husband and wife, have been accused of fostering a climate of fear, intimidation and abuse on the team.

The university president said he wants an independent investigation of allegations made against softball head coach Kristen Butler and her husband, Marcus Smith, a volunteer assistant. Smith has since left the program.

Four-time champion Novak Djokovic looked closer to his best level, reaching the Paris Masters quarterfinals with a 7-6 (7), 6-1 win against Kyle Edmund.

Rafael Nadal beat Stan Wawrinka for the 19th time in 22 meetings, winning 6-4, 6-4 to also advance.