SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Utah Jazz clinched a playoff berth by rallying to beat Phoenix 100-88, eliminating the Suns from the playoff chase. Paul Millsap scored 26 for the Jazz, who will play either the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs or second-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder when the NBA playoffs start Saturday.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - The L.A. Lakers will be missing one of their key players in coach Mike Brown's rotation when the NBA playoffs start Saturday. Power forward Metta World Peace has been suspended seven games by the NBA for elbowing Oklahoma City's James Harden, meaning the player formerly known as Ron Artest (ahr-TEHST') could miss at least six playoff games.
SAN DIEGO (AP) - Gio Gonzalez ran his scoreless innings streak to 20 over three starts and the NL East-leading Washington Nationals beat the San Diego Padres 3-1 last night on just four hits for their 11th win in their last 13 outings. Sporting an early season 13-4 mark, the surprising Nationals own the best record in the National League.
UNDATED (AP) - Three first-round NHL Eastern Conference playoff series are going the distance starting with the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins home tonight against Washington in Game 7. On Thursday night, the Florida Panthers will host New Jersey after the Devils forced Game 7 with a 3-2 overtime victory on a Travis Zajac (ZAY'-jahk) game-winner last night, and the New York Rangers will host Ottawa in Game 7.
NEW YORK (AP) - At least the top three picks in Thursday night's NFL draft appear set in stone. The Colts say they are taking Stanford QB Andrew Luck with the top pick, leaving Washington to take Baylor QB Robert Grifffin III at No. 2 and, barring a trade, the Minnesota Vikings likely take offensive lineman Matt Kalil out of USC with the third pick.
