Pistons to a 99-98 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Josh Smith made a 3-pointer as time expired and finished with 20 points to lift the Detroit Pistons to a 99-98 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night in both teams exhibition finale. J.J. Bareas layup with 3.6 seconds left gave the Timberwolves (4-3) a 98-96 lead but Smith, who got the ball out of a timeout, launched his shot in the final second. It hit the rim and fell in as the horn sounded. Greg Monroe and Will Bynum each added 17 points, rookie Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 13 and Andre Drummond grabbed 20 rebounds for the Pistons (4-4). Kevin Love had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Kevin Martin added 18 points for Minnesota on a night both coaches gave their younger players plenty of playing time. John Starks Knicks Jersey . You can watch the game live on TSN2 and TSN Mobile TV at 9pm et/6pm pt. Jonathan Huberdeau and Quinton Howden are expected to make their debuts for Team Canada. Allonzo Trier Knicks Jersey . A groundswell for raising the number of playoff qualifiers to seven in each conference figures to get plenty of support from the 32 owners. Most notably, Arizonas Bill Bidwill, who saw his Cardinals go 10-6 and not get in, while Green Bay (8-7-1) qualified by winning the NFC North. http://www.knickssale.com/kids-charles-oakley-knicks-jersey/ . In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Tonight, Michigans Nik Stauskas of Mississauga, Ontario. Phil Jackson Knicks Jersey .C. Lions 35-14, was named the CFLs offensive player of the week Tuesday. Sheets recorded his ninth 100-yard rushing performance of the season to tie the Riders club record. Willis Reed Knicks Jersey . -- The Atlanta Braves are facing the possibility of losing another pitcher for the season after general manager Frank Wren said Saturday that Cory Gearrin has a serious injury to his right elbow.It appears the ownership of the Pittsburgh Penguins feels head coach Dan Bylsma is one member of the organization that should take the fall for this years early playoff exit at the hands of the New York Rangers. According to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, sources say ownership believes Bylsma lost the team, especially franchise players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and have favoured his dismissal. Penguins ownership continues to hold meetings that are expected to determine the fate of Bylsma as well as general manager Ray Shero. "I think its a foregone conclusion (that Bylsma will be gone)," TSN Hockeys Bob McKenzie said on TSN Radio 1050. "In the past, Bylsma was seen a as a beloved figure by the Penguins players but I think anything but that is the case right now." The Tribune-Review report indicates that ownership feels Sheros signing of Bylsma to a two-year extension after last years playoff loss to the Boston Bruins in four straight games ties him to hhis head coach.ddddddddddddSources told the Tribune-Review that if Bylsma needed to be replaced, Shero may suffer the same fate. Bylsma and Shero both have two years remaining on their current deals. "I do believe the reports in Pittsburgh that there is some thought of going deeper than just Bylsma, but I dont know if thats being signed off in terms of general manager Ray Sheros future," McKenzie said. "Is it possible Shero could lose his job? I think its possible. Is it possible that he could end up staying on? I think thats somewhat possible too." Sources told the Tribune-Review the players werent happy with the length of practices, the number of meetings and a general lack of fun atmosphere around the team this season. Specifically, Crosby and Malkin were not happy with the perceived criticism they received from Bylsma during team meetings. The Penguins will hold their final media availability of the season at CONSOL Energy Center on Thursday. ' ' '