Pau at power forward?
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol was cleared to participate in all activities when an MRI revealed he has a right hamstring strain and not a tear as feared. Gasol could practice Thursday and play Friday vs. Memphis and brother Marc. The Lakers have gone 3-1 without Gasol but are 0-4 vs. the spread. They figure to be huge favorites over the Grizzlies, although no line has been established.
The return of Jason
Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza, who as not played since Oct. 28 due to an undisclosed injury, practiced Wednesday and may be available vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. Spezza had a five-game points streak just before the injury and should give the Sens a boost with his playmaking. Ottawa is -156 with a total of 5.5.
Spurred on
Dating to the last game of the 2007-08 season, the San Antonio Spurs have won four straight meetings with the Utah Jazz, covering each time. The teams also have played to the over in each of those four games, surpassing the total by an average of 16.8 points. The Spurs are getting two points with a total of 201.
Less than zero
Eastern Michigan visits Northern Illinois, looking for its first win of the season. The teams have played below the total in their last five meetings, primarily because EMU has managed just 45 points in those games. The Eagles are having trouble scoring this season as well, being held to 14 points or less in half their contests. NIU is giving 21 points with a total of 49.
Fly like an eagle
Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is expected to play in Sunday's key NFC East matchup vs. the Dallas Cowboys after receiving full clearance from doctors and practicing Wednesday. Coach Andy Reid said his all-purpose back is recovering from knee and ankle injuries that bothered him earlier this season. Westbrook suffered a concussion in a Week Seven win at Washington and sat out last week's rout of the New York Giants. He likely will split time with LeSean McCoy. The Eagles are favored by three points with a total of 48.
Ready to go?
Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews practiced Wednesday for the first time in two weeks and could play Thursday at Phoenix. Toews had been out since Oct. 21, when he took a hit from defenseman Willie Mitchell and has been unable to practice or skate on his own, displaying symptoms associated with a concussion. In nine games, Toews has a goal and four assists. There is no line, but Phoenix has been favored in all but one home game this season.
Notable quotables
"(Miles Austin) gets the ball thrown correctly his way. I'm stretching and falling and doing everything. Everybody who's been here's balls are there. Our footballs are everywhere right now."
-- Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams, attributing his poor showing this season on throwing inaccuracy from and a lack of cohesion with Tony Romo.
"Look, I'm no conspiracy theorist, but the evidence builds: big money sports will do all they can to protect themselves and their stars. And one specific piece of advice: if I were you, I wouldn't bet on NBA games."
--Sports Illustrated columnist Frank Deford discussing different things in former NBA ref Tim Donaghy's unreleased book.