SPORTS SHORTS
NBA: Suns’ Morris twins probed Suns forwards Marcus Morris and Markieff Morris have been accused of felony aggravated assault, but no arrests or charges have been filed, police told The Arizona Republic. The twins, along with three other men, allegedly attacked Erik Hood, a former professional basketball player, in January after they thought he had sent their mother “inappropriate” text messages, according to the report. The Morris twins have denied anywrongdoing and said they do not know the alleged victim. Their mother also has denied knowing Hood, but police said they have found evidence to the contrary.
In Milwaukee, Kyrie Irving scored 27 points and the Cavaliers held on to beat the Bucks, 10499, clinching the Central Division title and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
In Auburn Hills, Mich., Isaiah Thomas had a seasonhigh 34 points as the Celtics picked up a key 113103 victory and eliminated the Pistons from playoff contention. The victory moved Boston into a tie for seventh with the Nets in the Eastern Conference.
In Memphis, Tenn., Zach Randolph had 15 points, 13 rebounds and six assists to help the Grizzlies beat the Pelicans, 11074, dropping New Orleans into a tie with Oklahoma City for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot.
MLB: Verlander, Nathan to DL
On the same day they officially put Justin
Verlander on the disabled list, the Tigers announced another pitching injury thatwas more of a surprise. Joe Nathan is dealing with a strained right elbow, and the Tigers said after Wednesday’s win over Minnesota that he will go on the 15day DL. Joakim Soria will take over as Detroit’s closer in Nathan’s absence.
Rays first baseman James Loney was placed on the 15day disabled list with a strained right oblique,
l Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth, returning from right shoulder surgery, is expected to play seven innings at Class A Potomac on Thursday to start a minor league rehab assignment.
l Major League Baseball has started sending written warnings to players who have violated the new pace of game rules. MLB spokesman Michael Teeven said about 10 letters had been sent since the start of the season. Penalties for violating the newrules include fines, which start May 1. The wife of former major league pitcher
Jose Capellan says he has died. Hewas 34. His wife, Patricia Capellan, told the Associated Press on Wednesday that she’s stillwaiting for autopsy results to find out exactly what happened. Capellan, who played for four teams from 200408, died in his home in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
NFL: Welker visits Dolphins
Wes Welker is the latest free agent receiver to visit the Dolphins. The 33 year old Welker, who played for Miami from 2004 to 2006, arrived at the team complex Wednesday.
l Art Powell, who led the AFL in yards receiving in backtoback years for the New York Titans ( nowthe Jets) and Raiders, has died. Hewas 78. Powell died at his home near San Diego on Monday night. The San Diego Union Tribune reported Powell, who played 10 years in the NFL and AFL, had been dealing with heart and other health problems and had recently spent aweek in the hospital.