which is inflammation of the fluid-filled pad that cushions the joint.

Diar DeRozan is only nine months old, but she is already helping her NBA all-star father DeMar grow as a person and a basketball player.The Toronto Raptors guard, who will represent the Eastern Conference at the All-Star Game in New Orleans on Sunday, says he doesnt complain in the face of adversity "because I know this little girl is just happy for anything.""The suns coming up, shes happy," the 24-year-old said in a sit-down with TSNs Rod Black on Tuesday.DeRozan has not always been the fastest, strongest or most talented athlete dating back to his childhood in Compton, the one year of college he spent at USC, or his four-and-a-half years with Toronto. But he has always worked the hardest to get where he wants to be, for his personal happiness and his familys."(Family) shows you what lifes all about at the end of the day and thats why I work so hard," he said. "I do this for the enjoyment and the passion I have for the game and for my family. Everything else just comes with it."I just want to take advantage of every little moment I can, so at the end of the day when I look back I can say I laid it all out on the line and tried to be the best player I could be."If his numbers have anything to say about it, DeRozan is at his best. He is playing at career-high levels in points per game (22.2), assists (3.9), rebounds (4.6), steals (1.2) and three-point percentage (31.1 per cent). Whether he can fathom it or not, hes earned a place in the showcase of basketballs biggest stars."Its still hard to believe," he said. "Its something you always dream about it, but once you really go through it, its hard to explain but its a blessing."Hes also dispelled any doubt surrounding the four-year, $40 million contract extension he signed in 2012. What hasnt changed is the humbling nature he credits to his mom and dad, Diane and Frank."Some people think (Im) kidding when I say it, but I really forget I signed a contract like that. I really dont pay attention to that," he said. "As long as my family is happy and Im doing what I love to do, everything else is just a plus," he said.And although Diar may not know it yet, her dad is telling the truth."My little girl … she gets whatever she wants when it comes to me."The Missing PieceOne thing that will be absent from the All-Star Game this weekend is DeRozans teammate Kyle Lowry. Lowry, who was left off the reserves list, is one of the main reasons for the Raptors resurgence to the top of the Atlantic Division.In 36 games dating back to the beginning of December, the Raptors starting point guard is averaging 17.8 points per game on 43.6 per cent shooting to go along with 7.7 assists."I really wish I couldve seen him make it too. I think it wouldve been good, not just for me, but for the whole city, just to have two guys to go out there and represent, he said. "You look at Kyle as being one of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference, by far, and I thought he shouldve made it."On the other hand, DeRozan doesnt think the exclusion will be a bad thing."One thing about him is hes going to prove his point in the second half of the season." Salomon Shoes Sale Canada . Born in Berkeley and raised in Oakland, where he later pitched for the As, Ross beat the Giants for the first time in six career appearances by throwing eight scoreless innings to lead the San Diego Padres to a 2-1 victory Friday night. Discount Salomon Shoes Canada . -- Challenged for the first time under Major League Baseballs expanded replay system, umpires got it right. http://www.salomonoutletcanada.com/ . But when it was all over they had wasted another lead, seen another pitcher flame out on the mound and lost their fourth straight at home. Salomon Shoes Outlet Canada . Pekovic had an MRI test Tuesday on his right ankle that revealed bursitis, which is inflammation of the fluid-filled pad that cushions the joint. Salomon Shoes Clearance Sale .com) - The Winnipeg Jets got over one hurdle by snapping their longest losing streak of the season.The Winnipeg Jets will be without the services of defenceman Zach Bogosian for the immediate future. The team had already announced that he would be unavailable for Sunday nights game against the Minnesota Wild, but his status has now been downgraded to "week-to-week." "He has a moderate groin strain and so hes more week-to-week right now," Jets coach Claude Noel told reporters on Suunday morning.dddddddddddd "Thats pretty much where hes at. How many weeks? Well just deal with week-to-week. We have to see how it progresses and stuff like that." The 23-year-old Bogosian exited Friday nights win over the Philadelphia Flyers early after incurring the injury. In 21 games this season, the Massena, New York native has one goal and three assists and is a plus-eight. ' ' '