Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler was activated before his team’s 92-83 loss to the Heat on Wednesday, but the team announced minutes before tipoff that he would not play because of back spasms. He has missed three straight games. Forward Antawn Jamison, who hasn’t played since spraining his left knee Jan. 30, could return for Friday’s game against the Hawks. The team also signed 6-foot-8-inch forward Mike Hall of Shepard High School to a 10-day contract. He was averaging 15.6 points and 8.5 rebounds for the Tulsa 66ers of the NBDL.
– Celtics forward Wally Szczerbiak (15 ppg) will have season-ending ankle surgery next week. He has missed significant time four of the last five seasons, including 24 games this season.
– Dean Willford, who hit Warriors guard Stephen Jackson (then with the Pacers) with a car during a fight outside an Indianapolis strip club last fall, was sentenced to two years in prison.
