Howard suspended 1 game after altercation with Haslem

Miami Heat big man Udonis Haslem's first appearance this season lasted only three minutes, but the consequences are being felt a day later.

Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard is suspended one game without pay for picking up his 16th technical foul of the season on Thursday against the Heat, the league announced.

Howard was assessed a technical foul with 10:19 remaining in the second quarter of Miami's 106-94 win over the Sixers after Haslem took exception with the way the eight-time All-Star battled for a rebound.

Both players initially earned technical fouls, and Haslem was hit with a second one and automatic ejection just moments later.

Haslem, 40, who's in his 18th - and likely last - season with the Heat, played just three minutes, scoring four points on 2-of-2 shooting.

NBA rules require that any coach or player who collects 16 technical fouls in a season is suspended one game without pay. Howard will serve his suspension when the Sixers host the Orlando Magic on Friday evening.