--F Charlie Villanueva left Saturday's game in the third quarter after experiencing back spasms. Villanueva didn't return and said he wasn't sure whether he would play in the Bucks' next game, which is Tuesday at San Antonio.
--Veteran PG Tyronn Lue has drawn keen interest from the Lakers, who are looking for a backup point guard. The scuttlebutt is the Lakers would be willing to part with C Chris Mihm for Lue. There have also been rumors that Lue could wind up in Oklahoma City. --By losing to the Pistons on Saturday night, the Bucks snapped their five-game home winning streak. The Bucks are now 8-5 at home this season.
--F Joe Alexander said he believes he'll win the NBA slam-dunk contest during All-Star Weekend in Phoenix -- if he is afforded the opportunity.
Alexander is one of three rookies who are being considered for a spot in the competition. The others are Oklahoma City G Russell Westbrook and Portland G/F Rudy Fernandez.
The rookie entrant in the contest will be determined by online voting.
NOTE TO QUOTE: "Nobody knows how hurt he's been. There were several games where he shouldn't have played. But Luke is unselfish, so he played anyway." -- Bucks coach Scott Skiles, on PG Luke Ridnour, who has been hampered by back spasms.
