Chalmers suspended for hitting Nowitzki

Heat point guard Mario Chalmers was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 and ejected from last night's win over the Dallas Mavericks for this elbow to Dirk Nowitzki's head. (He actually helped the 2011 NBA Finals MVP off the floor.) Apparently, NBA officials decided that Chalmers deserved a bit more punishment. The two-time NBA champion was suspended one game without pay and will sit out tonight's game against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Chalmers took to Twitter to plead his case, saying that he's never been a dirty player and that he hit Nowitzki only because his arm was being held. He added that he can't wait until Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks and that it's starting to "get personal." Chalmers' Flagrant Foul 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin last week probably played into his suspension.

This decision leaves Miami especially shorthanded at the guard position, with Ray Allen suffering from the flu. Dwyane Wade has also failed to play in a back-to-back set this season. Erik Spoelstra may start Cole with Wade, and Roger Mason may have to produce off the bench. Even James Jones could play a bit.

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