Saturday, March 1, 2008

The Pistons are expected to add C Theo Ratliff next week, a person familiar with the upcoming transaction told the Associated Press yesterday .

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal couldn't yet be completed, said the move will be made on Tuesday.

The Timberwolves requested waivers on Ratliff after reaching an agreement on a buyout of his contract.

-- BOSH INJURED: Toronto star Chris Bosh left the Raptors' game against the Pacers late in the first quarter with a sore right knee.

Team officials said Bosh would not return to the game and will undergo further examination.

-- SZCZERBIAK OUT: Wally Szczerbiak missed Cleveland's game against Minnesota to be with his wife, Shannon, who is expecting the couple's third child.

-- BETTING SCANDAL: Two men charged in a betting scandal involving disgraced basketball referee Tim Donaghy have pleaded not guilty to conspiring to defraud the NBA.

Prosecutors said James Battista, a professional gambler, and Thomas Martino entered the pleas during a brief appearance yesterday in New York.

A trial date was set for April 28. Each man remains free on $250,000 bond.

-- MCINNIS WAIVED: The Bobcats waived G Jeff McInnis.

The team provided no explanation for the decision. McInnis started 26 of the 54 games he played this season, averaging 4.5 points and 4.1 assists.

McInnis was criticized by Coach Sam Vincent after a loss to the 76ers a month ago, leading to a testy exchange between the two. A few days later the Bobcats signed PG Earl Boykins, but McInnis had still been an on-and-off starter.

-- From News Services