One-game ban for Cousins over 18th technical

DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans sits after his second foul against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on February 25, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/AFP

DeMarcus Cousins was hit with a one-game suspension on Tuesday following his 18th technical foul of the season in New Orleans’ weekend defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA said.

Cousins’ suspension means he will miss the Pelicans clash with the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

He was given a technical after a clash with Oklahoma City’s Steven Adams just 32 seconds into a game his team eventually lost 118-110.

Under NBA rules a player or coach is given an automatic one-game suspension after accumulating 16 technical fouls and a one-game ban for every two technicals thereafter.

The three-time All Star, who joined New Orleans from the Sacramento Kings in a trade on February 20, is averaging 29.1 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks this year.

He has been in sparkling form since his move, averaging 28.6 points and 16 rebounds per game.

New Orleans are languishing near the foot of the Western Conference with a 23-37 record.