=== All-Stars Iverson and Artest benched before games ===

Denver, CO (My Sportsbook) - Philadelphia 76ers guard Allan Iverson was benched for the start of Tuesday's 106-85 loss to the Nuggets in Denver.

Iverson, the 76ers' only representative in Sunday's All-Star game in Los Angeles, failed to appear for Monday's practice at the Denver Athletic Club. This prompted Head Coach Chris Ford to sit the All-Star and start John Salmons in his place.

Iverson entered the game with 4:39 left in the first quarter. He finished the game with 27 points and 14 assists. The Sixers are currently 22-32, having dropped three of their last four contests.

Meanwhile, Indiana benched its All-Star Ron Artest, before the start of the Pacers 89-75 setback to New Orleans on Tuesday night.

Artest was benched for missing a practice on Monday night. Artest missed the workout because he did not return in time from Sunday night's All-Star game in Los Angeles.

Al Harrington started in his place. Artest entered the contest with 5:37 to play in the first quarter. Artest shot just 1-for-10 from the field, but was 11-for-16 on free throws to finish with 13 points in 31 minutes of action. Indiana is currently 39-15, the loss ended its three-game winning streak.

In other news, All-Star MVP Shaquille O'Neal is expected to be fined by the Los Angeles Lakers for missing practice as well. A day after winning the MVP award, O' Neal was a no show at practice for the Lakers.