Trail Blazers suspend Miles

Trail Blazers forward Darius Miles was suspended by the team for two games Friday after a verbal clash with coach Maurice Cheeks during a film session.

The Blazers suspended Miles for conduct detrimental to the team and insubordination. The Blazers were preparing for Friday night's home game against the Clippers when the punishment was handed down.

"I am disappointed that we've had this distraction to deal with today," Blazers president Steve Patterson said in a statement. "We expect a certain behavior from everyone in our organization, and what happened yesterday is not acceptable behavior."

The Trail Blazers would not comment on the nature of the confrontation, except to say there was one Thursday.

"He blew up in the film session," said Cheeks, who characterized Miles' comments as inappropriate.

Messages left for Miles' Florida-based agent, Jeff Wechsler, were not immediately returned Friday.

In a statement released by the Blazers, Miles said: "Things were said in frustration and I am sorry for that. It is very important to me that our fans understand that I am committed to winning and that the losses we have had this season have been difficult for all of us. My entire focus when I return to the team will be on winning and helping us make a run for the playoffs."

HOUSTON HURT: Allan Houston was placed on the injured list Friday by the New York Knicks, a setback in the shooting guard's comeback from knee surgery. Houston has appeared in just 20 of 41 games for the slumping Knicks.

HORNETS PLACE DAVIS ON IL: The New Orleans Hornets placed Baron Davis on the injured list Friday because of a bruised right Achilles' tendon, allowing the team to bring back point guard Junior Harrington on a 10-day contract.

Davis, who already has missed the last five games with the injury that occurred in Toronto on Jan. 16, likely will not play again until the Hornets face Golden State on Feb. 11, coach Byron Scott said.

The NBA granted an exception to New Orleans to allow Davis to be the team's fourth player on the injured list, one more than the normal maximum.