Delfino has work to do

Don’t be surprised if Carlos Delfino of Argentina keeps a heavy workload for the defending NBA champions during the exhibition season.

The Detroit Pistons’ rookie swingman played 31 minutes in Wednesday’s preseason-opening victory against the Boston Celtics.

While his performance was far from breathtaking, he was responsible for the winning shot, a 27-foot jumper in front of the Boston bench with six seconds left. He played the most minutes —and tied Chauncey Billups for the most turnovers (four).

“I need to work on better understanding Coach (Larry) Brown and the rules,” Delfino said. “I also need to understand how the referees call different fouls. I am going to concentrate and do my best. In international ball, we play more finesse, but here it is a much more physical game. I will continue to work hard in the gym to better improve my game.”

That’s a good idea.

Delfino is expected to back up Richard Hamilton at shooting guard and possibly Tayshaun Prince at small forward.

He can use the minutes to adjust to the NBA game. Indications are that Delfino will need the time to get ready.

Looking at the Pistons’ bench, he’s the most likely candidate to help with outside shooting on the second unit. Against the Celtics he was 2 for 9 from the field and 3 for 6 from the free-throw line.

“I did not have a good day shooting at all, except for that one shot,” Delfino said. “Other than that I know can and will do better.”

Blazer’s home searched again

Authorities in Lake Oswego, Ore., again searched the home of Trail Blazers forward Qyntel Woods, seeking additional evidence of dog fighting.

Officials from the Oregon Humane Society, with assistance from the Clackamas County sheriff’s office, carried out the search.

Woods’ home was first searched Monday, following allegations that Woods abandoned his pit bull — reportedly because it would not fight for him.

No criminal charges have been filed. Woods was suspended without pay by the Trail Blazers on Tuesday, pending a team investigation into the matter.

Bryant documents will be released

The Eagle, Colo., judge in the now-dismissed rape case against NBA star Kobe Bryant said that nearly 60 sealed court documents will probably be released to the public after his staff redacts sensitive information.

District Judge Terry Ruckriegle did not indicate when the material would be released.

Prosecutors last month dismissed a felony sexual assault charge against Bryant after the woman accusing him of rape said she did not want to participate in a trial.

Bryant, 26, has insisted he had consensual sex with the woman in June 2003 at the Vail-area resort where she was a front desk employee. The woman, now 20, is seeking unspecified damages from the Los Angeles Lakers star in a federal civil lawsuit.

Last week, prosecutors released more than 600 pages of heavily redacted investigative files. The sheriff’s office has released more than 300 pages of material from its investigation.

Tight hamstring sidelines O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is expected to miss the Miami Heat’s two preseason games this weekend because of a tight left hamstring.

Heat coach Stan Van Gundy said O’Neal would most likely sit out today against the Detroit Pistons. He missed Friday’s game against Orlando.

O’Neal said he hurt the hamstring at practice earlier in the week.

“I’m good …. being cautious,” he said.

O’Neal scored 17 points in his Miami debut when the Heat lost 85-75 to the Houston Rockets last Sunday.

Atlanta’s Crawford has MRI

Atlanta Hawks forward Chris Crawford had an MRI on his injured right knee. The team said results would not be known until today.

Crawford was injured in the third quarter of Thursday night’s 99-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Birmingham, Ala.

Crawford was fouled by Kevin Garnett with 3:16 left in the third quarter when he tried to convert a steal into a transition basket. He was helped off the court.

Pacers’ top draft pick hurt

Indiana Pacers rookie center David Harrison sprained his right shoulder during practice and will not play in today’s preseason game at Memphis.

Harrison was injured while dunking in practice, but said that he did not believe it was serious.

“I can move my arm and feel my hand, so I don’t think it’s going to be something that lasts that long,” Harrison said.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Harrison would remain in Indianapolis through the weekend to have further tests on the shoulder.

The 7-foot Harrison was the last player picked in the first round of the NBA draft after passing up his senior season at Colorado.