Magic's Howard, Lakers' Bryant named Players of the Week

NEW YORK -- The Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard and the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 14, through Sunday, Dec. 20.

Howard recorded four double-doubles on the week, averaging 17.0 points and league highs of 17.8 rebounds and 4.5 blocks, as the Magic went 3-1. On Dec. 14, Howard tallied 21 points, 23 rebounds and four blocked shots, as Orlando defeated Indiana 106-98 at Amway Arena. He recorded a season-high eight blocks Dec. 16 in a 118-99 home win over Toronto.

Bryant paced the league in scoring (34.5 ppg) and added 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.5 steals (second in the Western Conference), leading the Lakers to a 4-0 week on their Eastern Conference road trip. Bryant started the week with 42 points in a 96-87 win over the Bulls. On Dec. 19, Bryant recorded a double-double with 29 points and 10 rebounds in a 103-84 win over New Jersey. Bryant tied his season high with five steals Dec. 19 in a 93-81 win over the Pistons.

Here is a recap of the week for Howard and Bryant:

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Dec. 14 vs. Indiana: Posted 21 points, 23 rebounds and four blocks in a 106-98 win over the Pacers.

Dec. 16 vs. Toronto: Scored 18 points to go along with 14 rebounds and eight blocks in a 119-99 win over the Raptors.

Dec. 17 @ Miami: Tallied 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in a 104-86 loss to the Heat.

Dec. 19 vs. Portland: Recorded 12 points, 20 rebounds, four blocks and two steals in a 92-83 win over the Trail Blazers.

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Dec. 15 @ Chicago: Poured in 42 points and added two rebounds, three assists and three steals in a 96-87 win over the Bulls.

Dec. 16 @ Milwaukee: Recorded 39 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a 107-106 win over the Bucks.

Dec. 19 @ New Jersey: Tallied 29 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a 103-84 win over the Nets.

Dec. 20 @ Detroit: Posted 28 points, three rebounds, four assists and five steals in a 93-81 win over the Pistons.

Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta's Joe Johnson, Cleveland's LeBron James, Memphis' Zach Randolph, Miami's Dwyane Wade, Phoenix's Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire and Portland's Brandon Roy.

Thunder acquire rookie Maynor in trade with Jazz

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma City Thunder are shaking up their backup point guard position, acquiring rookie Eric Maynor in a trade with the salary-dumping Utah Jazz.

Maynor, the 20th overall pick in this year's draft, was averaging 5.2 points and 3.1 assists in 26 games with the Jazz this season. He figures to take over as the backup point guard for Oklahoma City, which waived reserves Shaun Livingston and Mike Wilks to clear room for him on the roster.

Kevin Ollie and Kyle Weaver, the usual backups to starter Russell Westbrook, are both injured.

Oklahoma City also agreed to take on the $6.5 million contract of injured veteran Matt Harpring, who won't actually join the Thunder. Harpring, an 11-year veteran, hasn't played this season while recovering from an infection that developed after he had surgery on his ankle in the summer of 2008.

Harpring said earlier this month that he was giving up his comeback attempt, although he didn't say he was retiring.

The Jazz will get the rights to 2002 second-round draft pick Peter Fehse, who has never played in the NBA and is currently playing in the German League.

"Trading Eric was a difficult decision," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said in a statement. "But, along with Matt's contract, it greatly helps reduce our luxury tax responsibility. Fortunately, with Deron [Williams] and a proven backup in Ronnie Price we feel that we have depth at that position."

Maynor made two starts earlier this season while Williams was away from the team, including a career-high 24-point outing against Cleveland.

The trade offers Maynor a reunion of sorts with Oklahoma's Jeff Capel, who recruited him to Virginia Commonwealth before leaving to become the Sooners' coach.

Livingston joined the Thunder late last season after recovering from a gruesome February 2007 injury in which he tore three ligaments in his left knee and dislocated his kneecap. He played in 10 games for Oklahoma City this season, including the past eight in a row after missing just under a month following surgery.

Wilks was signed after Livingston, Ollie and Weaver were all injured and played in four games.

"This was a difficult decision as we appreciate Shaun and Mike's contributions to this basketball team on and off the floor," Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti said in a statement. "We wish them nothing but continued success."

Garnett sits out game vs. Pacers with bruised thigh

BOSTON (AP) -- Kevin Garnett is out of the Boston Celtics' lineup with a bruised right thigh.

Rasheed Wallace started at forward in Garnett's place Tuesday night against the Indiana Pacers. It's the first game Garnett has missed this season.

Garnett was at the TD Garden for the team's shootaround and wanted to play, but coach Doc Rivers told him to take the night off. Garnett is averaging 15.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

Garnett played a total of 66 minutes, 18 seconds in the last two months of the 2008-09 regular season and missed the playoffs with strained ligaments in his right knee.

Nowitzki returns to Mavs' lineup from elbow injury

DALLAS (AP) -- Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki returned to the starting lineup for Tuesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers after missing the previous game and a half with a deep cut on his right elbow.

Nowitzki, Dallas' top scorer who is averaging 26.1 points per game, tested his heavily-bandaged and padded elbow during a pregame shooting session at the team's practice gym, and he felt OK to go.

Nowitzki was injured Friday night in a collision with Houston's Carl Landry during the second quarter of an overtime loss to the Rockets. Nowitzki had two of Landry's teeth embedded in his elbow, and needed extensive treatment to clean out the wound.

Nowitzki missed the second half against Houston and sat out Sunday night's 102-95 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said before the game that there's been no indication of infection in Nowitzki's elbow and that overall, "there's been an improvement the last couple of days."

Wafer buys out Olympiacos deal, will re-sign with Rockets

HOUSTON -- With their bench wafer-thin, the Rockets are on the verge of re-signing prodigal shooting guard Von Wafer.

The 6-foot-5 Wafer, who signed with Olympiacos after enjoying a breakout season with the Rockets last year, paid approximately $1.2 million to buy out his Greek contract and will rejoin the Rockets after passing his team physical.

Wafer, 24, averaged 7.7 points in three Euroleague games with Olympiacos, all coming off the bench. He now returns to Houston, where last season Wafer had his best NBA season, averaging 9.7 points in 63 games. He shot 45 percent from the field, 39 percent from the 3-point line and 75 percent from the free-throw line while averaging 19 minutes a game.

"I think he proved last year that he could play for us," said Rockets coach Rick Adelman. "We'll just have to see how everything works out. We obviously know him and know what he can do off the bench, so we'll see how it plays out."

Wafer came close to signing with Memphis, but his familiarity with the Rockets' system made Houston a more desirable landing spot. And with rookie swingman Chase Budinger hobbled with a sprained right ankle and Tracy McGrady still working his way back from last season's microfracture surgery, the Rockets can use the talent infusion.

"You know what he did for us last year," Adelman said. "And the way we're trying to play, he fits in extremely well here. So it gives us a little bit more depth, and it gives us someone that we know and who had a lot of success with us last year."

Injury bug bites Blazers again with loss of Przybilla

DALLAS (AP) -- Joel Przybilla of the Portland Trail Blazers sustained a ruptured right patella tendon and dislocated patella in the first quarter of Tuesday night's game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Przybilla, who got the start, went up for a rebound and came down awkwardly on his right leg with 3:12 left in the opening quarter, falling to the ground in pain.

The Trail Blazers, who began the game with 11 healthy players, announced in the third quarter that Przybilla would be out indefinitely.

Portland has already lost center Greg Oden for the season with a left knee injury.

Travis Outlaw (left foot), Nicolas Batum (right shoulder), Patrick Mills (right foot), and Rudy Fernandez (back pain) have all missed extensive time for Portland this season.

Even coach Nate McMillan hasn't been immune, sustaining a ruptured right Achilles' tendon on Dec. 7 that required surgery.

Developer closes on land for Nets' new arena

NEW YORK (AP) -- Plans to build a new arena for the New Jersey Nets as part of a large development are gaining momentum after six contentious years, but opponents say they'll keep trying to stop the project.

A developer signed key documents Wednesday letting the proposed $4.9 billion, 22-acre Atlantic Yards development proceed as a state agency moved to condemn some property needed for the Brooklyn project. Last week, developer Forest City Ratner Cos. briskly sold more than $500 million in bonds to finance the arena and completed a plan to sell 80 percent of the team and 45 percent of the venue to Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov.

But lawsuits against the project continue, and opponents say they will challenge the condemnation, or forced sale.

Ratner officially closed on the project Wednesday, marking a legal move CEO Bruce Ratner called "a vital step forward for New York City."

Supporters say Atlantic Yards will transform a rundown railyard area near downtown Brooklyn into a bustling complex of office towers, apartments and the 18,000-seat arena. The project will create thousands of jobs and affordable apartments, Ratner says.

But some local homeowners, tenants and business owners say it will destroy a neighborhood to enrich private interests in the name of public benefit.

Opponents say they will fight the condemnation proceedings, which a state economic-development agency formally launched Wednesday. The state's highest court last month approved the use of eminent domain -- the government's condemnation power -- for Atlantic Yards.

Two ongoing lawsuits challenge the project on environmental and other grounds. Opponents also are eyeing whether the bond financing got an adequate state review.

Despite Wednesday's closing, "there are outstanding legal issues and more to come," said Daniel Goldstein, a spokesman for the group Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn, the project's leading opponent. He lives with his wife and baby in a condominium targeted for acquisition.

Atlantic Yards critics had hoped the bond sale would fall flat and doom the project; under federal law, the bonds had to be sold by the end of the year to be tax-free. But the $511 million in bonds sold within hours.

Construction crews have been preparing the Atlantic Yards site for building; more than half the buildings there have been demolished. The developer hopes to open the arena, to be called the Barclays Center, for the 2011-12 basketball season.

Prokhorov would become the NBA's first non-North American owner under his deal with Ratner, which needs approval from the league's Board of Governors. The arrangement also includes an option for Prokhorov to acquire up to 20 percent of Atlantic Yards.

Knee infection sidelines Pierce for two weeks

BOSTON (AP) -- Celtics forward Paul Pierce had fluid drained from his right knee Wednesday and will miss the next two weeks.

Pierce did not make the flight to Orlando for a Christmas Day game against the Magic, one day after Kevin Garnett missed his first game of the season with a thigh bruise. Instead, team doctor Brian McKeon drained fluid from Pierce's knee at New England Baptist Hospital.

The Celtics are on a six-day, four-game road trip that will also take them to the Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns before returning home for a Jan. 2 game against Toronto.

Pierce could be back for the Jan. 6 game at Miami.

The 2008 NBA finals MVP had played in every game this season, leading the team with an average of 18.2 points.

Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said Pierce complained of soreness in the knee after Tuesday night's game, when he missed his first 10 shots against the Indiana Pacers but wound up scoring 21 points. Garnett missed that game, the first he's missed this season.

The Celtics won their 17th NBA title in 2008 -- their first season with Pierce, Garnett and Ray Allen. But last year Garnett missed the end of the season and the playoffs with strained knee ligaments, and the Celtics were eliminated by the Magic in the conference semifinals.

With Garnett back in the lineup, Boston sped to the best record in the Eastern Conference, 22-5, just one game behind the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers for the best record in the league.

Gasol signs three-year extension with Lakers

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- Pau Gasol knows he surprised nobody by agreeing to a three-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers nearly two seasons before it kicks in.

After a rough start to his NBA career in Memphis, the Spanish 7-footer had been vocal about his desire to stick with the defending champions well into the future. And after nearly two years in Hollywood as Kobe Bryant's best supporting player, Gasol thinks Bryant will follow his lead this time.

"It gives me tremendous peace of mind and safety and confidence," Gasol said Wednesday at the Lakers' training complex. "We have a tremendous team, and we all want the same thing. We want to be the best team out there. It's a great thing as a player to be a part of something this special."

Gasol's deal extends through the 2013-14 season, and could be worth more than $60 million depending on future salary caps.

Gasol has been to two NBA finals since joining the Lakers on Feb. 1, 2008, in a trade with the Grizzlies that propelled Los Angeles back into the league's elite. His impact on the Lakers has been undeniable: The club is an astonishing 101-23 in regular-season games with Gasol in the lineup, and Bryant anointed Gasol as basketball's best big man after Tuesday night's win over Oklahoma City.

"With the way we play, with the players we have on our team, I can't imagine a big man who would be better to play for this team than Pau," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said.

A superb rebounder, a solid low-post defender and a dependable No. 2 scoring option alongside Bryant, Gasol earned an All-Star berth and averaged 18.9 points and 9.6 rebounds last season as Los Angeles won its 15th NBA title. His numbers are nearly the same this season despite missing the first 11 games with an injured right hamstring.

Los Angeles is 15-1 since Gasol's return. The Lakers host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day.

Gasol is making $16.5 million this season and $17.8 million next year. His new deal likely will pay him around $20 million per season, but that might be less than what Gasol could have made as a free agent.

A few extra millions meant little to Gasol, who led Spain to the most recent FIBA world championship and the European title, winning tournament MVP honors both times. After starting his NBA career as a reluctant franchise player in Memphis, he much prefers the cool California lifestyle in a cosmopolitan city more like his native Barcelona.

"I think I've matured a lot since I came here, and the quality of everything is just a bit higher [than in Memphis]," Gasol said.

Gasol feels the Lakers have a remarkable team chemistry, with no jealousy or anger over playing time or scoring chances. Young center Andrew Bynum is signed through 2012 with a club option for the following season, while Gasol, Lamar Odom and Ron Artest all agreed to extensions or new contracts in the last few months to be supporting players to Bryant, the NBA's second-leading scorer with 29.3 points per game.

Gasol said he believes Bryant intends to finalize his own extension soon, keeping together the Lakers' championship core for several more years. Although Bryant hasn't formally inked a three-year extension likely worth over $80 million, he declined the chance to opt out of his current contract this summer, flatly saying he wouldn't leave the Lakers.

"We continue to have dialogue with Kobe and his representative," Kupchak said. "I do anticipate continued discussions, but that's really all I can say. I've always felt ... that Kobe should and would end his career in Los Angeles."

With owner Jerry Buss willing to spend beyond the limits of the salary cap, Kupchak believes he can keep together the entire core of the NBA's most valuable and profitable franchise, according to Forbes magazine. Kupchak even believes the Lakers can keep 10-time NBA champion coach Phil Jackson, who has given confusing signals in recent weeks about whether he sees a long-term future with the club.

"If he sees growth and a future with this team, he'll come back," Kupchak said. "Cutting a deal is the easy part. It's about his health, and what he's achieved."

Roy doubtful vs. Spurs with sprained shoulder

SAN ANTONIO -- Smacked by injuries that have forced six players out of action, the Portland Trail Blazers now have experienced the worst of it.

One night after starting center Joel Przybilla suffered a possible season-ending knee injury, All-Star guard Brandon Roy is doubtful for Wednesday night's game against the Spurs with a sprained left shoulder.

"He's pretty sore," said coach Nate McMillan, who spoke with reporters while on crutches because of his recent Achilles' tendon surgery. "He's still going through some tests."

McMillan said Roy will have an MRI when the team returns to Oregon after the game. He got tangled with a Mavericks player late in Tuesday's game -- a game the Blazers managed to win 85-81 despite the injuries -- going for a rebound after he missed a layup.

"He really wanted to try and play tonight," McMillan said. "Right now, we think we should just hold him.

"I took him out on the last [offensive play] -- he couldn't really lift his [left] arm. On the last defensive play, I put him back in just for size. He could get his right arm up."

The Blazers still are awaiting news of Przybilla's status. He played eight minutes Tuesday before suffering a ruptured right patellar tendon and right patella dislocation.

"Please don't say 'What's next?,' " a grim McMillan said. "Don't even like to talk about it."

Juwan Howard, the 16-year veteran, will start in place of Przybilla, and Jerryd Bayless is tentative to start in place of Roy.

"Bayless, at the beginning of the year, was 11th or 12th man, and and he could be the starter tonight," McMillan said.

"Our guys, last night, they scraped and they found a way. This is going to take some time before we figure out how to attack and how to play."

In addition to Przybilla, the Blazers are without Nicolas Batum (shoulder), Rudy Fernandez (sciatic pain), Patrick Mills (right foot), Greg Oden (left knee) and Travis Outlaw (left foot).

Jazz's Millsap requires 10 stitches for lip, mouth

MIAMI (AP) -- Paul Millsap left the Utah Jazz's game at Miami after getting hurt trying to defend Heat center Joel Anthony.

The Jazz said Millsap needed 10 stitches in his upper lip and mouth. The forward also was diagnosed with a mild concussion after he departed with 5:49 left in the third quarter Wednesday night.

Millsap left with four points in 14 minutes. There was no immediate word on his availability for Utah's next game, Saturday at home against Philadelphia.

Wizards' Arenas leaves game with thigh bruise

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas has limped off the court in the fourth quarter of Washington's game at Milwaukee with a deep left thigh bruise.

Arenas drove hard to the basket and fell hard to the court after being called for a charge Wednesday night. He was helped up by teammates, but had a noticeable limp when he headed to the bench.

Trainers did not work on him and he remained on the bench with a heat pad on his upper left leg. He seemed in good spirits, cheering without standing when Randy Foye hit a 3-pointer moments later. The team said his return was questionable.

Arenas, who had 18 points before he was hurt, missed all but two games last season after three knee operations in 1 1/2 years.

Cavs' Williams returns to game after bruising knee

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams returned to the game against the Sacramento Kings after leaving briefly with a bruised left knee.

Williams went down midway through the first quarter while defending Sacramento rookie Tyreke Evans on a drive to the basket Wednesday night.

The entire Cavaliers team came over as trainers treated Williams underneath the basket during a timeout. He limped back to the locker room. Williams returned in the second quarter.

Williams is Cleveland's second-leading scorer. He averages 16.5 points.

Kobe leading, Iverson surging in latest All-Star voting

Kobe Bryant is the overall vote leader with 1,380,383 million ballots cast. LeBron is next with 1,351,292.

Tracy McGrady knows good and well why he's in the running to make his seventh All-Star Game start despite playing just 45 minutes this season.

"Well, 90 percent is all my Chinese fans," T-Mac said, laughing. "We have a great relationship. That started when I was in Orlando. I used to go over there [China] every summer. Those are great fans. I enjoy my time over there, and I've gotten to know them throughout the years. It's been great. They've been very supportive through the good, the bad and the ugly. I appreciate them still sticking with me."

The league and the members of the All-Star ballot committee also stood by McGrady. Unlike his injured teammate Yao Ming, who may be a smidge more popular in China, T-Mac was included on the ballot despite having microfracture surgery on his left knee in late February. That procedure typically takes a full year to recover, but McGrady returned earlier this month.

McGrady did slip from second to third among Western Conference guards in the latest balloting returns released today. Kobe Bryant of the Lakers continues to lead that race and is the overall vote pacesetter with 1,380,383 million ballots cast. (See the complete totals in the official release.)

The All-Star Game is headed to the Dallas Cowboys new stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 14 before a record crowd possibly hitting 100,000 -- a figure that both Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones are shooting for. The All-Star Game is being broadcast live on TNT and ESPN Radio domestically, and to more than 200 countries abroad.

Right behind Bryant in the overall popularity department is LeBron James. The Cavaliers' two-time All-Star MVP is leading the Eastern Conference with 1,351,292 votes. The only other players with more than a million votes are Carmelo Antony (Nuggets), Dwayne Wade (Heat), Dwight Howard (Magic) and Kevin Garnett (Celtics).

The biggest surprise is in the East, as Allen Iverson has surged in the guard race. Originally on the West ballot, Iverson has gone from sixth place in the first returns two weeks ago to a starting slot opposite Wade. Vince Carter (Magic) has dropped from second to third.

The rest of the East start lineup, as of now, includes James and Garnett at forward, and Howard at center. The West consists of Bryant and Steve Nash (Suns) in the backcourt, Anthony and Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks) at forwards, and Amar'e Stoudemire (Suns) in the middle.

McGrady is perhaps relieved by the league's assist leader moving into second. He isn't too keen on taking a spot in the All-Star Game if he finished with starter's votes.

"No, I don't think I'd play," McGrady said. "I would attend, just to show my appreciation and my thanks to my fans. But you have guys like Steve Nash, Chris Paul and Deron Williams, guys who have been playing since Day 1 and are very deserving of being out there. I don't know which ones will start, but all three of them can. I think they're very deserving."

McGrady and Nash each have more than 500,000 votes and are separated by less than 5,000. The only other guard currently with at least a half-million is Paul of the Hornets. T-Mac added that stepping aside, if he's in position to start, is the only right thing to do by his fellow players.

"Yes, that's all it boils down to -- respecting my peers and knowing what's right," McGrady said. "Thanks to my fans, but at the same time I respect the guys who should be on that team."

Updated balloting results will be issued regularly leading up the announcement of the All-Star starters Jan. 21 on TNT. After the starters are determined, the head coaches will vote on the remaining All-Stars in their respective conference. That announcement is Jan. 28 on TNT.

Kobe leads way in second returns of All-Star Game voting

NEW YORK -- Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets top the Western Conference, while LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat lead the Eastern Conference after the second returns of 2010 NBA All-Star Balloting presented by T-Mobile. Bryant, a three-time All-Star MVP, is the overall leader with 1,380,383 votes, while James, a two-time All-Star MVP, is second overall with 1,351,292.

The 2010 NBA All-Star Game, which will air live on TNT and ESPN Radio in the U.S., and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages, will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before an expected crowd of more than 80,000 -- the largest group ever to witness a live basketball game -- on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.

In the Western Conference, Bryant, who shared the MVP award with Shaquille O'Neal in last year's All-Star Game and who also garnered the honor in 2002 and 2007, is followed at guard by the Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash (546,064). Anthony paces forwards in the West (1,204,234) with the Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki (668,243) second. The Suns' Amar'e Stoudemire (950,737) is the leading vote-getter among Western Conference centers, with the Lakers' Andrew Bynum (588,471) following.

The guards in the Eastern Conference are paced by Wade (1,314,215), followed by the Philadelphia 76ers' Allen Iverson (635,084). While Iverson appears among Western Conference guards on the paper ballot because he began the season with Memphis, his votes count towards the Eastern Conference guards due to his signing with Philadelphia Dec. 3. James, a two-time All-Star MVP (2006, 2008), paces Eastern Conference forwards with 1,351,292 votes, followed by the Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett (1,113,213), MVP of the 2003 All-Star Game. The Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard leads all centers with 1,252,786 votes; the Cavaliers' O'Neal is second among centers in the East (455,239).

2010 NBA All-Star Balloting presented by T-Mobile, with associate partner 2K Sports, allows fans worldwide to vote daily for their favorite players as starters for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. For the first time, fans can vote for All-Stars any time by texting a player's last name from their mobile phones. Fans can cast one SMS vote per day, per phone number.

There are several ways fans can cast their votes, including: at each NBA arena; in 20 languages on NBA.com; and through mobile phones by texting the player's last name to 6-9-6-2-2 ("MYNBA"), via Web2Go® on T-Mobile phones or wap.nba.com for any wireless carrier. A T-Mobile-branded All-Star Balloting widget is also available on NBA.com so that fans can "grab" the widget and place it on their blogs, social network pages, or personal Web sites allowing others to vote directly from the widget. Paper balloting will continue through Jan. 10, while wireless balloting and voting on NBA.com will conclude Jan. 18.

Updated results for the Eastern and Western Conferences will be issued regularly leading up to the announcement of the All-Star starters on Thursday Jan. 21, prior to a TNT doubleheader. Following the completion of fan voting and the starting line-up announcement, the head coaches in each conference will vote to determine the remaining All-Stars in their respective conference, which will be announced Thursday, Jan. 28 prior to a TNT doubleheader.

The NBA All-Star ballot lists 120 players -- 60 each from the Eastern and Western conferences -- with 24 guards, 24 forwards, and 12 centers from each conference comprising the list. Voters select two guards, two forwards and one center from each conference. The 120 players on the ballot were selected by a panel of media who regularly cover the NBA: Mike Breen (ABC/ESPN), Eddie Sefko (Dallas Morning News), Doug Smith (The Toronto Star and President, Pro Basketball Writers Association) Marc Spears (Yahoo! Sports), Marc Stein (ESPN.com) and Ian Thomsen (Sports Illustrated).

NBA All-Star 2010 in Dallas will bring together some of the most talented and passionate players in the league's history for a global celebration of the game. The week leading up to the 59th NBA All-Star Game will feature a full slate of community-enhancing activities and fan festivals, including NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas and the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam. This will be the second NBA All-Star in Dallas. The city also hosted the event in 1986.

In conjunction with All-Star Balloting, 2K Sports will give fans the opportunity to experience Dallas and the best of basketball by entering the NBA® 2K10 Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to NBA All-Star 2010 and have their likeness as a digitized player incorporated in next year's game, NBA® 2K11.

The leaders of both the Eastern and Western Conference players for the second returns of the 2010 NBA All-Star voting:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards: LeBron James (Clev) 1,315,292; Kevin Garnett (Bos) 1,113,213; Chris Bosh (Tor) 553,230; Paul Pierce (Bos) 263,189; Josh Smith (Atl) 236,527; Andre Iguodala (Phi) 167,799; Danny Granger (Ind) 165,543; Michael Beasley (Mia) 132,794; Hedo Turkoglu (Tor) 95,329; Rashard Lewis (Orl) 95,328; Caron Butler (Was) 83,317.

Guards: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 1,314,215; *Allen Iverson (Phi) 635,084; Vince Carter (Orl) 554,779; Ray Allen (Bos) 385,744; Gilbert Arenas (Was) 355,544; Derrick Rose (Chi) 305,029; Joe Johnson (Atl) 227,896; Rajon Rondo (Bos) 203,252; Jose Calderon (Tor) 115,071; Mike Bibby (Atl) 106,830.

Centers: Dwight Howard (Orl) 1,252,786; Shaquille O'Neal (Cle) 455,239; Andrea Bargnani (Tor) 121,253; Al Horford (Atl) 118,802; Brook Lopez (NJ) 105,157; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 87,876; Jermaine O'Neal (Mia) 81,262; Rasheed Wallace (Bos) 66,307; Kendrick Perkins (Bos) 40,057; Samuel Dalembert (Phi) 35,714; Tyson Chandler (Cha) 31,470; Brad Miller (Chi) 29,369.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards: Carmelo Anthony (Den) 1,204,234; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 668,243; Pau Gasol (LAL) 565,414; Tim Duncan (SA) 564,728; Kevin Durant (OKC) 406,581; Trevor Ariza (Hou) 355,529; Luis Scola (Hou) 295,691; Shawn Marion (Dal) 268,853; Ron Artest (LAL) 197,689; Lamar Odom (LAL) 152,684; LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 129,909.

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 1,380,383; Steve Nash (Pho) 546,064; Tracy McGrady (Hou) 541,190; Chris Paul (NO) 521,468; Jason Kidd (Dal) 372,225; Aaron Brooks (Hou) 298,892; Chauncey Billups (Den) 241,737; Deron Williams (Utah) 208,991; Jason Terry (Dal) 195,456; Brandon Roy (Por) 189,137; Manu Ginobili (SA) 171,624.

Centers: Amar'e Stoudemire (Pho) 950,737; Andrew Bynum (LAL) 588,471; Nene (Den) 199,667; Marc Gasol (Mem) 160,686; Greg Oden (Por) 108,147; Al Jefferson (Min) 98,669; Antonio McDyess (SA) 94,479; Marcus Camby (LAC) 86,719; Andris Biedrins (GS) 77,287; Mehmet Okur (Utah) 69,612; Emeka Okafor (NO) 61,823; Spencer Hawes (Sac) 20,646.

* While Iverson appears among Western Conference guards on the paper ballot because he began the season with Memphis, his votes count towards the Eastern Conference guards due to his signing with Philadelphia Dec. 3.

Celtics say Pierce's knee infection 'serious'

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Paul Pierce could miss at least two weeks because of an infected right knee, the severity of the injury catching the Boston Celtics by surprise.

The All-Star forward didn't make the flight to Orlando for the Christmas Day game against the Magic. The Celtics are on a six-day, four-game trip before returning home for a Jan. 2 game against Toronto.

Coach Doc Rivers said Thursday it was doubtful Pierce would join the team on the trip. He couldn't say for sure how long Pierce would be out.

"We just don't know," Rivers said. "The two weeks is a guesstimate by a doctor who has never played basketball before."

Pierce was in so much pain he called team trainer Ed Lacerte on Wednesday about 3 a.m., Rivers said. Lacerte went to Pierce's house and took him to the hospital, where fluid was drained from the knee.

"What he's going through is pretty significant," Celtics guard Ray Allen said. "It is serious. Because me knowing Paul, he's always practicing and he's always playing, so for him not to be here, it must be very significant."

Pierce, the 2008 NBA finals MVP, had played in every game this season, leading the team with 18.2 points a game. Pierce complained of soreness in his knee after Tuesday night's game. He missed his first 10 shots against the Indiana Pacers but wound up scoring 21 points in the win.

The team left the arena thinking he was fine.

"It's amazing," Rivers said. "He won the game for us the night before and he woke up in the middle of the night hurting."

The good news for Boston: Kevin Garnett said he will play against Orlando after missing the last game with a thigh bruise.

Garnett was out with knee injuries in last season's Eastern Conference semifinals against the Magic, who eliminated the then-defending NBA champions in seven games. Glen "Big Baby" Davis also practiced, but Rivers said he's unlikely to play Friday because the forward is still recovering from a broken right hand.

But getting Garnett back should give the Celtics a boost.

"I'm playing," Garnett said. "That's all that matters. Details are not important."

Even Garnett's attention was focused on his teammate.

Players have been sending Pierce text messages and words of encouragement from Orlando, where the Celtics arrived Wednesday along with family members for the holidays. They came early to enjoy the area's theme parks and attractions with their families -- Rivers makes his permanent home in central Florida -- but each said Pierce was on his mind.

"It's unfortunate for Paul's situation because it was kind of like a freak accident, or a freak situation," Garnett said. "It's really weird when you get the details of it."

Van Gundy trying to be less of a Scrooge this holiday season

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- One thing that will be a little jollier this Christmas for the Orlando Magic is Stan Van Gundy.

Players say he has changed since Dwight Howard asked the coach last month to limit the negativity. Van Gundy even sent out holidays cards complete with a candy apple to every member of the organization.

"He's making a big effort to be a little more positive, and we appreciate that," point guard Jameer Nelson said. "And I think we're playing better, so he has less to scream and yell about."

Meet the New Van Gundy.

Still fiery as ever, the coach admits he's trying to take a different approach with players. Just don't expect him to be Mr. Relaxed, especially not with the Magic gearing up for a Christmas Day matchup against the Eastern Conference leading Boston Celtics.

That's not his style.

He still takes personal pride in every play -- covering his face, pulling his hair and stomping his feet -- and notices even the smallest details. There is rarely a mistake that players won't hear about from Van Gundy.

Only now they say he's not as volatile.

Rashard Lewis tested that formula during Orlando's victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday, when the All-Star forward had an in-bounds pass stolen in the final minutes. The turnover nearly cost the Magic the win.

"I told him if I was the old me, I would've thrown a chair at him," Van Gundy joked. "But since I'm the new me, I just called timeout, and I bit my lip and tried to keep from saying anything."

But some things never change.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, an assistant under Van Gundy during his tenure in Miami, laughed at the notion that the Magic coach is suddenly going to stop showing his emotions. Spoelstra sees Van Gundy's attitude as a positive for Orlando -- a passionate coach who demands perfection.

Spoelstra even sent him a text message when he first heard that Van Gundy was working to curb the negativity.

"I said, 'Geez, Mr. Positive Calm Guy, why didn't we get that guy when I worked for you?"' Spoelstra said.

All this began when Howard asked Van Gundy, among other things, to limit the negativity because it was draining players. That private chat, which is almost a daily routine for the star player and coach, took place in mid-November.

Howard said it's been a whole new coach since.

"You just have to understand as players, some guys can take you yelling at them and other guys can't, and I think Stan has done an excellent job this year understanding that," Howard said. "When you got Stan and he's not yelling and he's not doing anything to be negative, then you're more willing."

The differences so far have been subtle.

Van Gundy's postgame news conferences used to be must-see rants filled with witty jokes. Lately, they've been tailed back after he's glanced over the stat sheet to look for positive trends.

Of course, when he feels his team isn't giving enough effort, he's not afraid to call players out.

During an interview between quarters against Miami on an ESPN broadcast earlier this month, Van Gundy railed his team's effort. The Magic were getting blown out, eventually losing by 18 points in a game that wasn't even that close, and his sarcastic criticism of the team was replayed countless times.

He's just not such an in-your-face coach in practice, players said, and he's been more constructive with criticism. Van Gundy said he's made it a point to be more positive and believes it has made him a better coach.

"It helps me," Van Gundy said. "I've been focused on the next task a little better. I don't know how much I've changed, but I've changed some."

Either way, Van Gundy's way wins.

He led the Magic to only their second NBA finals last season, took Miami to the 2005 Eastern Conference finals and has helped Orlando to division titles in his first two years. The Magic (22-7) are only two games back of Boston (22-5) in the loss column after overcoming major injuries, illnesses and a 10-game suspension by Lewis.

Players don't expect a complete turnaround from Van Gundy, and they don't want one either.

Howard said he asks Van Gundy to stay on him every day because "I can take it." He just appreciates that Van Gundy has shown he's willing to adapt.

But Howard also expects bigger changes from his coach as the season progresses.

"For anybody, you can't stop what you've been doing if you've been going it for a while," Howard said. "He's been doing an excellent job this year, this season, relaxing, being patient, letting us play basketball."

Blazers' Przybilla out for season after surgery

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla is out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured right patella tendon.

Przybilla hurt his leg during Portland's 85-81 victory at Dallas on Tuesday night. He went up for a rebound and came down awkwardly with 3:12 left in the first quarter.

Przybilla had surgery on Thursday. He averaged 4.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 30 games this season.

The Blazers have been beset by so many injuries this season that the NBA granted the team an exemption to carry 16 players on its roster.

Kobe on Cavs-Lakers rivalry: There's nothing there

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher scarcely remember how to celebrate Christmas without a high-profile game smack in the middle of their holiday season.

That's life with the Los Angeles Lakers -- and that goes for the Lakers' families, too.

"With the amount of gifts my kids receive, they could care less if I'm there or not," Fisher said with a laugh Thursday after the Lakers' light afternoon practice for their showdown with LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"Santa Claus will do his job," the veteran point guard added. "I've found that it's weird to think about not working on Christmas. A lot of guys realize it's special to be on that stage, while people are home with their eggnog relaxing."

Bryant is similarly excited about facing James on Friday in a meeting of the top two vote-getters in the NBA All-Star balloting.

O'Neal's latest return to Los Angeles also will draw attention, although Bryant eliminated a long-thriving subplot in their meetings by winning his first title without Shaq last summer.

"It's a tradition, and it's really special to be a part of it," said Bryant, whose daughters get some of their presents on Christmas Eve and the rest early the following morning.

While it's no imposition to play on Christmas, it's still an opportunity -- although the Lakers acknowledge this matchup isn't quite as energizing as last year's visit from the Boston Celtics, whose 19-game winning streak ended in the holiday rematch of the 2008 NBA finals. Los Angeles' 92-83 victory also happened to be coach Phil Jackson's 1,000th win.

While Los Angeles and Boston have one of the NBA's best rivalries, the Cavs have no significant history or animosity with the Lakers. Even Kobe and Shaq apparently are on good terms five years after "the big breakup of '04," as Fisher calls O'Neal's departure for Miami.

"There's nothing there," Bryant said. "It's about putting LeBron and myself on national TV. Outside of that, there's nothing. ... We were really using that game last year as a measuring stick. This year, it's a little different."

The Cavaliers are enjoying balmy California while playing a Christmas game for the fourth time in James' seven seasons. They worked out at UCLA on Thursday before James and other players spent time with families who traveled to the West Coast for the holiday fun and sun.

"It's bigger for (the media) than it is for us," James said before the Cavs' overtime victory over the Kings on Wednesday night. "You guys put a lot of emphasis on LeBron and Kobe and the Christmas Day game. I'm focused on Sacramento right now. When it happens it will be a fun game. It's two of the best teams in the league. It will be a good test for us."

Los Angeles has won five straight and 16 of 17. Cleveland has won two in a row after holding off Sacramento. While the Lakers lead the league, the Cavaliers are third in the Eastern Conference -- but Jackson sees something brewing in Cleveland after a slow start to the season.

"They're in a rhythm now," said Jackson, whose grown children usually gather in Los Angeles for the holidays. "They're playing pretty good basketball. ... Yeah, (Bryant and James) are rivals. I think they like to compete against each other. There's mutual respect there."

Although O'Neal's playing time has fluctuated this season, apparently to his displeasure -- he ducked out without speaking to reporters after playing 22 minutes in Sacramento -- he's likely to play significant minutes against the Lakers' talented front line led by 7-footers Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

"I think it should be a very competitive game," said Gasol, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Lakers on Wednesday. "They are a contender also, and they have very good players on their roster. We've got to make sure we defend our home court, first of all, and always try to send a message. It's always good to make a stand against an opponent that's trying to reach the same goal that you are."

Wizards' Arenas had firearms in his locker

NEW YORK (AP) -- Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas stored unloaded firearms in a container in his locker, according to the team, and the NBA is looking into the situation.

The Wizards issued a statement on Thursday saying there was no ammunition in the locked container, and Arenas and the team have notified authorities and the league.

Arenas told The Washington Times he took his guns to the Verizon Center after his daughter, Hamiley Penny, was born this month. About a week later, he said he handed them over to team security to give to police.

"I wouldn't have brought them to D.C. had I known the rules," Arenas told the newspaper. "After my daughter was born, I was just like, 'I don't need these anymore."'

Arenas was suspended for Washington's season opener in 2004 because he failed to maintain proper registration of a handgun while living in California in 2003. Arenas formerly played for the Golden State Warriors.

Officer Quintin Peterson, a spokesman for the Washington police department, told The Associated Press on Thursday there was no report of any active investigation involving Arenas.

The team and the three-time All-Star "are cooperating fully with law enforcement during its review of this matter and will have no further comment at this time," according to the Wizards' statement.

Wizards spokesman Scott Hall wouldn't say when or where Arenas had the firearms in his locker.

The NBA's collective bargaining agreement allows for players to legally possess firearms but prohibits them at league facilities or when traveling on any league-related business.

"We're aware of the situation and are working to gain a full understanding of the facts and relevant legal issues," the NBA said in a release.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Sebastian Telfair was suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed amount in 2006 after a loaded handgun registered to his girlfriend was found in his pillowcase aboard the team's plane when he was with Portland.

Arenas is averaging 22.2 points. He turns 28 on Jan. 6, is in the second season of an $111 million, six-year contract, and is one of the NBA's most popular players, but a series of injuries has limited his time on the court. Nicknamed Agent Zero, he has a career average of 22.7 points over nine NBA seasons.

Hamilton, Prince return for Pistons

Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince both are making just their fourth starts of the season as the Detroit Pistons try to end a six-game losing streak.

Coach John Kuester said guard Ben Gordon could come off the bench Sunday against the Toronto Raptors after missing eight straight games with a sore left ankle.

Hamilton had been out with a sore right hamstring. The guard appeared in Detroit's season opener on Oct. 28, then didn't take the court again until playing back-to-back games on Dec. 12 and 15. He has missed the past five games.

Prince, a forward, played in the first three games of the season, but has been out since Oct. 31 with a ruptured disk in his lower back.

Transactions: 2009-10 Season

2009-10
NBA transactions for the 2009-10 season -- July 1, 2009 to the present.

December 2009

Friday, Dec. 25
• Boston activated forward Glen Davis from the injured list.

Wednesday, Dec. 23
L.A. Lakers agreed to terms with forward Pau Gasol on a three-year contract extension through the 2013-14 season.

Tuesday, Dec. 22
• Oklahoma City acquired guard Eric Maynor from the Utah Jazz for the rights to 2002 draft pick Peter Fehse. Agreed to take on the contract of injured forward Matt Harpring. Waived guard Shaun Livingston and guard Mike Wilks.

Tuesday, Dec. 15
• Boston assigned guard Lester Hudson to Maine of NBA D-League.

Monday, Dec. 14
• NBA suspended Houston forward Trevor Ariza for one game for swinging his elbow at the head of the Toronto forward DeMar DeRozan in a Dec. 13 game.
• Miami waived forward Shavlik Randolph.
• Phoenix recalled forward Taylor Griffin from Iowa (NBA D-League).

Sunday, Dec. 13
• New York signed forward Jonathan Bender.

Monday, Dec. 7
• San Antonio recalls guard Malik Hairston from the Austin Toros (NBA D-League).
• NBA fined Chicago center Joakim Noah $15,000 for throwing the ball into the stands and striking a photographer during Saturday's game against Toronto.
• Phoenix sends forward Taylor Griffin to Iowa (NBA D-League).

Friday, Dec. 4
• NBA suspended Milwaukee coach Scott Skiles one game for his actions directed at a game official and for not leaving the court in a timely manner following his ejection in a Dec. 2 game against Washington.

Wednesday, Dec. 2
• Philadelphia agreed to terms with guard Allen Iverson.
• Utah extended the contract of coach Jerry Sloan through the 2010-11 season.

Tuesday, Dec. 1
• New Jersey named general manager Kiki Vandeweghe coach for the remainder of the season.

November 2009

Monday, Nov. 30
• Charlote assigned center Alexis Ajinca to Maine (NBA D-League).

Sunday, Nov. 29
• New Jersey fired head coach Lawrence Frank.

• NBA fined Boston forward Rasheed Wallace $30,000 for public criticism of the officials following the Nov. 27 games against Toronto. Fined Phoenix forward Amar'e Stoudemire, and Charlotte center Tyson Chandler $7,500 apiece for the posting of messages on their Twitter accounts during games.

Saturday, Nov. 28
• Orlando forwad Matt Barnes was fined $20,000 by the league for tossing a ball into the stands.

Thursday, Nov. 26
• Oklahoma City signed guard Mike Wilks.

Wednesday, Nov. 25
• Oklahoma City waived forward Ryan Bowen.

Tuesday, Nov. 24
• Oklahoma City recalled guard Kyle Weaver from Tulsa (NBA D-League).

Friday, Nov. 20
• Golden State signed forward/center Chris Hunter.

Tuesday, Nov. 17
• Memphis waived guard Allen Iverson.

Monday, Nov. 16
• Golden State traded guard-forward Stephen Jackson and guard Acie Law to Charlotte for guard Raja Bell and forward Vladimir Radmanovic.

Saturday, Nov. 14
• Memphis signed guard Jamaal Tinsley

Friday, Nov. 13
• Houston waived forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu.

Thursday, Nov. 12
• New Orleans fired coach Byron Scott. Named Jeff Bower coach.
• Toronto released guard Quincy Douby.

Wednesday, Nov. 11
• Washington signed guard Earl Boykins. Waived center Paul Davis.

Tuesday, Nov. 10
• NBA fines Orlando center Dwight Howard $15,000 for public criticism of the officiating that appeared on his personal blog.
• Philadelphia named Mark Gullett vice president of marketing.

Thursday, Nov. 5
• Minnesota named Darrick Martin assistant director of player development.
• Memphis waived forward Trey Gilder.

Wednesday, Nov. 4
• Sacramento signed swingman Ime Udoka.

Monday, Nov. 2
• Boston signed guard Rajon Rondo to a multiyear contract extension.
• Minnesota exercised their contract 2010 options on forward Corey Brewer and forward Kevin Love. Declined their 2010 option on Oleksiy Pecherov.

Sunday, Nov. 1
• Indiana xercised contract options on center Roy Hibbert and guard Brandon Rush.

October 2009

Saturday, Oct. 31

• Cleveland activated guard Delonte West.

Friday, Oct. 30

• Phoenix exercised their options on the contracts of forward Jared Dudley and center Robin Lopez for the 2010-11 season; declined the option on the contract of guard-forward Alando Tucker.
• Washington exercised the 2010-11 contract options on guard Nick Young and center JaVale McGee for the season.

Thursday, Oct. 29

• Toronto exercised their fourth-year contract option on guard Marco Belinelli.
• Charlotte exercised their third-year contract option on center Alexis Ajinca.

Wednesday, Oct. 28

• Orlando waived forward Linton Johnson III.
• San Antonio exercised the option on guard George Hill's contract for next season.

Monday, Oct. 26

• Chicago exercised the 2010-11 contract options for guard Derrick Rose and center Joakim Noah.
• Cleveland exercised the 2010-11 contract option on forward J.J. Hickson.
• New Orleans exercised the 2010-11 contract option on forward Julian Wright.
• Phoenix announced the team was awarded the rights to center Jarron Collins.


Friday, Oct. 23

• Boston named Tyronn Lue director of basketball development.
• Houston waived guard Brent Barry.
• Miami waived guard John Lucas.
• Oklahoma City waived forward Mike Harris. Exercised the fourth-year contract options on Kevin Durant and Jeff Green.

Thursday, Oct. 22

• Boston waived forward Mike Sweetney.
• Charlotte waived guard Dontell Jefferson and guard Antonio Anderson.
• Chicago waived forward Chris Richard.
• Cleveland waived guard Andre Barrett, guard Russell Robinson and center Darryl Watkins.
• Dallas waived center Jake Voskuhl. Houston waived guard Will Conroy.
• New Jersey waived guard Will Blalock, forward Bennet Davis and forward Brian Hamilton.
• New York waived guard Joe Crawford and forward Chris Hunter.
• Oklahoma City waived forward Michael Ruffin.
• Philadelphia exercised the third-year contract option on forward Marreese Speights and fourth-year contract options on center Jason Smith and forward Thaddeus Young.
• Portland signed forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a five-year contract extension.
Waived forward Ime Udoka and center Jarron Collins.
• San Antonio waived guard Curtis Jerrells.
• Utah waived forward Ronald Dupree and guard Paul Harris.
• Washington waived guard/forward Vincent Grier.

Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Atlanta waived guard Mario West, center Garret Siler and center Courtney Sims.
• Detroit waived forward Maceo Baston.
• Houston waived guard Romel Beck and guard Garrett Temple.
• L.A. Lakers waived guard Thomas Kelati.
• Minnesota waived center Jared Reiner.
• Philadelphia waived forward Brandon Bowman and guard Dionte Christmas.
• Phoenix waived guard Dan Dickau and forward Carlos Powell.
• Sacramento waived center/forward Melvin Ely and guard Lanny Smith.
• Oklahoma City waived guard Tre Kelley.
• Utah waived forward/center Goran Suton, forward Spencer Nelson and forward Alexander Johnson.

Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Atlanta released guard Mike Wilks and guard Juan Dixon.
• Miami exercised the third-year contract option on forward Michael Beasley and fourth-year contract option on guard Daequan Cook. Waived forward Anthony Tolliver.
• Minnesota acquired forward Nathan Jawai and cash from Dallas for a conditional second-round draft pick in 2012.

Monday, Oct. 19
• L.A. Clippers waived guard Jerel McNeal and guard Anthony Roberson.
• Minnesota waived guard Devin Green and guard Mustafa Shakur.

Friday, Oct. 16
• NBA fined Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy $35,000 for publicly criticizing game officials.
• Portland signed guard Patrick Mills. Exercised options on center Greg Oden, forward Nicolas Batum, forward Rudy Fernandez and guard Jerryd Bayless.

\Wednesday, Oct. 14
• NBA fined Charlotte coach Larry Brown $35,000 for verbally abusing game officials and failing to leave the court in a timely manner and $25,000 for publicly criticizing the referees in a game on Oct. 12 and fined the Charlotte organization $60,000 after Brown's ejection. Fined Memphis coach Lionel Hollins $25,000 for criticizing officials after a game on Oct. 12.

Tuesday, Oct. 13
• Atlanta waived guard Aaron Miles and guard Frank Robinson.
• L.A. Clippers exercised their third-year contract option on guard Eric Gordon and the fourth-year option on forward Al Thornton.
• San Antonio released forward Dwayne Jones.

Monday, Oct. 12
• Miami signed guard Carlos Arroyo.
• Philadelphia waived guard Sean Singletary and forward-center Stromile Swift.

Saturday, Oct. 10
• Golden State suspended guard Stephen Jackson for two exhibition games for conduct detrimental to the team.
• L.A. Lakers waived forward Mickael Gelabale, forward David Monds and forward-center Michael Fey.

Thursday, Oct. 8
• Suspended Miami center Jamaal Magloire for two games and Detroit forward Jonas Jerebko one game and for their roles in an altercation that took place during an Oct. 5 game.
• Rockets named Gersson Rosas general manager of Rio Grande Valley (NBA D-League).
• L.A. Clippers waived forward Taj Gray.

Wednesday, Oct. 7
• New York waived forward Warren Carter, guard Ron Howard, guard Gabe Pruitt and guard Sun Yue.

Tuesday, Oct. 6
• Charlotte exercised the contract option for the 2010-11 season for guard D.J. Augustin.

Monday, Oct. 5
• Denver waived forward Keith Brumbaugh.
• Philadelphia waived forward Rashad Jones-Jennings.

Friday, Oct. 2
• Chicago waived guard Curtis Stinson.
• Milwaukee cut guard Dominic James and forward Charles Gaines.

Thursday, Oct. 1
• Chicago wavied center Steven Hill.
• Milwaukee waived forward Marcus Hubbard and guard Mark Tyndale.

September 2009

Wednesday, Sept. 30
• L.A. Lakers signed guard Thomas Kelati.
• Philadelphia signed forward Rashad Jones-Jennings.

Monday, Sept. 28

• L.A. Lakers signed forward Tony Gaffney, forward David Monds, forward Mickael Gelebale and forward Michael Fey.
• Philadelphia signed forward Brandon Bowman, guard Dionte Christmas, guard Sean Singletary and guard Stromile Swift.
• Charlotte signed guard Antonio Anderson and forward Stephen Graham.
• Memphis signed guard Thomas Gardner, forward Leon Rodgers and forward Mike Taylor.

Saturday, Sept. 26
• Denver signed forward Joey Graham.
• Minnesota promoted Fred Hoiberg to vice president of basketball operations. Demoted assistant general manager Jim Stack to a scout. Named Jerry Sichting director of pro player personnel and Rob Babcock will be the director of scouting/administration.
• Portland signed forward Ime Udoka.

Friday, Sept. 25
• New York re-signed guard Nate Robinson.
• Indiana signed coach Jim O'Brien to a contract extension through the 2010-11 season.
• Washington signed center Paul Davis and guard/forward Vincent Grier.

Thursday, Sept. 24
• New York signed forward David Lee to a one-year contract.
• Miami named Alonzo Mourning vice president of player programs.
• Charlotte signed guard Ronald "Flip" Murray to a one-year deal.

Wednesday, Sept. 23
• Charlotte signed guard Raymond Felton to a one-year contract.

Tuesday, Sept. 22
• Chicago re-signed center Aaron Gray.
• Denver acquired guard/forward James White from Houston for draft rights to forward Axel Hervelle.
• Minnesota waived guard Chucky Atkins.

Thursday, Sept. 17
• Houston promoted director of player personnel Gersson Rosas to vice president of player personnel.
• Portland signed forward Juwan Howard to a one-year contract.
• Minnesota signed guard Sasha Pavlovic to a one-year contract.
• New York signed guard Sun Yue.
• Sacramento signed guard/forward Desmond Mason to a one-year contract.

Wednesday, Sept. 16
• L.A. Clippers re-signed forward Brian Skinner.

Tuesday, Sept. 15
• The NBA fined Golden State guard/forward Stephen Jackson $25,000 for public statements detrimental to the NBA.
• Philadelphia signed guard/forward Rodney Carney.
• Phoenix agreed to terms on a contract buyout with guard/forward Sasha Pavlovic.
• Sacramento signed forward Jon Brockman.

Monday, Sept. 14
• Dallas re-signed forward James Singleton. Released guard Greg Buckner.

Tuesday, Sept. 8
• Portland signed forward Jeff Pendergraph.

Wednesday, Sept. 2
• Golden State signed center Mikki Moore.
• Atlanta signed center Jason Collins.

Tuesday, Sept. 1
• Boston signed guard Marquis Daniels.

August 2009

Friday, Aug. 28
• Suspended Denver guard J.R. Smith for seven games without pay for pleading guilty to reckless driving. and Phoenix forward Jason Richardson for two games without pay for pleading guilty to driving under the influence.

Thursday, Aug. 27
• Memphis signed forward Trey Gilder.
• Denver re-signed center Johan Petro.

Tuesday, Aug. 25
• Atlanta signed forward Joe Smith.
• Cleveland signed guard/forward Danny Green.

Friday, Aug. 21
• Portland signed rookie forward Dante Cunningham to a multi-year contract.
• L.A. Clippers waived forward Mark Madsen.

Wednesday, Aug. 19
• Orlando signed guard Jason Williams.

Tuesday, Aug. 18
• Golden State named Calbert Cheaney special assistant.
• Milwaukee acquired guard/forward Carlos Delfino and guard Roko Ukic from Toronto for forward Amir Johnson and guard/forward Sonny Weems.

Monday, Aug. 17
• Phoenix signed forward Taylor Griffin.

Friday, Aug. 14
• Denver re-signed guard Anthony Carter.
• Oklahoma City named Maurice Cheeks and Rex Kalamian assistant coaches.

Wednesday, Aug. 12
• Cleveland signed forward Leon Powe to a two-year contract.
• Houston signed center David Andersen to a multiyear contract.
• L.A. Clippers acquired guard Rasual Butler and cash from New Orleans for a 2016 conditional second-round draft pick.

Tuesday, Aug. 11
• Washington signed forward/center Fabricio Oberto.

Monday, Aug. 10
• Boston re-signed forward Glen Davis.
• Detroit named Brian Hill assistant coach.
• Minnesota named Kurt Rambis head coach.
• Philadelphia re-signed guard Royal Ivey.

Friday, Aug. 7

• Atlanta re-signed forward Marvin Williams to a five-year contract
• Boston signed center/forward Shelden Williams
• Denver traded Steven Hunter, a 2010 first-round pick and cash to Memphis a future second-round draft pick
• Portland signed guard Brandon Roy to a multiyear contract extension

Thursday, Aug. 6
• NBA suspended Orlando forward Rashard Lewis 10 games for violating anti-drug policy

Wednesday, Aug. 5
• Detroit signed forward Austin Daye
• Houston signed guard Jermaine Taylor to a multiyear contract
• Philadelphia named Randy Ayers assistant coach

Monday, Aug. 3
• Minnesota signed center Ryan Hollins to an offer sheet

Saturday, Aug. 1
• Oklahoma City signed guard Kevin Ollie
• Milwaukee requested waivers on guard/forward Bruce Bowen

July 2009

Thursday, July 30
• Chicago waived forward Linton Johnson and guard DeMarcus Nelson
• Dallas signed forward Drew Gooden
• Indiana signed forward Solomon Jones to a multiyear contract
• Toronto traded guard/forward Devean George and cash to Golden State for guard Marco Belinelli. Signed center Rasho Nesterovic to a one-year contract.

Wednesday, July 29
• Cleveland waived guard Tarence Kinsey
• New Orleans signed free agent forward Ike Diogu
• Memphis signed Sam Young to a multi-year contract

Tuesday, July 28
• Indiana signed point guard Earl Watson
• Milwaukee signed point guard Brandon Jennings
• Dallas signed free agent forward Tim Thomas
• Charlotte acquired center Tyson Chandler from New Orleans for forward/center Emeka Okafor

Monday, July 27
• Oklahoma City acquired center Etan Thomas, a second-round selection and a conditional second-round selection in the 2010 NBA Draft from Minnesota for guards Chucky Atkins and Damien Wilkins
• Golden State waived forward Jermareo Davidson

Saturday, July 25
• San Antonio signed center Theo Ratliff

Friday, July 24
• Portland signed guard Andre Miller to a three-year deal
• Miami announced it will not match the offer sheet Cleveland issued forward Jamario Moon

Thursday, July 23
• Milwaukee agreed to terms with forward Ersan Ilyasova

Wednesday, July 22
• Detroit signed forward Chris Wilcox
• Indiana re-signed forward Josh McRoberts to a multi-year contract
• Miami re-signed center Jamaal Magloire

Tuesday, July 21
• Philadelphia signed guard Jrue Holiday
• Sacramento agreed to terms with forward Sean May
• Toronto signed guard Jarret Jack
• Orlando agreed to terms with forward Matt Barnes on a two-year contract

Monday, July 20
• Atlanta signed rookie guard Jeff Teague
• Chicago waived guard Anthony Roberson
• Indiana announced it will not match the offer sheet Toronto issued guard Jarrett Jack
• L.A. Clippers acquired guard Sebastian Telfair, forward Craig Smith and forward Mark Madsen from Minnesota for forward Quentin Richardson
• Miami re-signed center Joel Anthony
• Phoenix agreed to terms with guard Steve Nash on a two-year contract extension.

Sunday, July 19
• Memphis signed center Hasheem Thabeet
• Cleveland signed forward Jamario Moon to an offer sheet.

Friday, July 17
• Utah matched Portland's four-year offer sheet to forward Paul Millsap.
• Los Angeles Clippers acquired guard/forward Quentin Richardson from the Memphis Grizzlies for forward Zach Randolph.
• Oklahoma City waived guard Earl Watson.

Thursday, July 16
• San Antonio signed forward DeJuan Blair.

Wednesday, July 15|
• Denver signed guard Ty Lawson.

Tuesday, July 14
• Atlanta traded the rights to forward/center David Andersen to Houston for an undisclosed second-round draft pick, cash and future considerations.
• Chicago reached a contract settlement with forward Tim Thomas and requested waivers on him.
• Indiana signed guard Dahntay Jones to a four-year contract.
• New Jersey Nets promoted Aaron Harris to senior director-public relations.
• Utah re-signed G Ronnie Price.

Monday, July 13
• Atlanta re-signed guard Mike Bibby and center Zaza Pachulia.
• Charlotte signed forward Derrick Brown.
• Chicago signed guard Jannero Pargo.
• Cleveland signed guard/forward Anthony Parker.
• Denver acquired guard Arron Afflalo and forward Walter Sharpe from Detroit for a future second-round draft pick and cash.
• Orlando matched Dallas' five-year offer sheet to center Marcin Gortat.
• Phoenix agreed to terms with foward/center Channing Frye on a two-year contract.
• Toronto signed guard Jarrett Jack to an offer sheet.

Sunday, July 12
• L.A. Clippers named Tony Brown assistant coach

Saturday, July 11
• Dallas re-signed guard Jason Kidd
• New York signed forward Jordan Hill
• Oklahoma City signed guard James Harden, center Byron Mullens and forward Serge Ibaka
• Toronto signed guard Jarrett Jack to an offer sheet

Friday, July 10
• Minnesota signed guards Jonny Flynn and Wayne Ellington
• Orlando signed forward Brandon Bass
• Phoenix signed forward Earl Clark
• Sacramento signed forward Omir Casspi
• San Antonio signed forward/center Antonio McDyess
• Utah signed center Mehmet Okur to a multi-year contract extension
• Memphis waived guard/forward Jerry Stackhouse
• Portland signed forward Paul Millsap to an offer sheet
• Portland extended coach Nate McMillan's contract through 2011 season

Thursday, July 9
• Chicago signed forwards James Johnson and Taj Gibson
• Cleveland signed forward/center Anderson Varejao to a multi-year contract
• Dallas traded guard Jerry Stackhouse and cash considerations to Memphis for guard Greg Buckner; traded forwards Devean George and Antoine Wright to Toronto for forwards Shawn Marion, Kris Humphries, center Nathan Jawai and cash considerations as part of a four-team deal
• Detroit named John Kuester coach
• Orlando traded forward Hedo Turkoglu to Toronto for cash considerations and acquired cash considerations from Dallas as part of a four-team deal
• Toronto traded forwards Shawn Marion, Kris Humphries, center Nathan Jawai and cash considerations to Dallas; acquired forwards Devean George and Antoine Wright from Dallas and forward Hedo Turkoglu from Orlando; sent cash considerations to Orlando and a 2016 second-round pick to Memphis as part of a four-team deal
• L.A. Clippers signed forward Blake Griffin
• Toronto signed forward DeMar DeRozan

Wednesday, July 8
• Atlanta re-signed guard Mike Bibby to a three-year contract.
• Boston signed forward Rasheed Wallace to a two-year contract.
• Charlotte signed guard Gerald Henderson.
• Dallas signed guard Quinton Ross.
• Detroit signed guard Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva to a five-year contract.
• Golden State signed guard Stephen Curry.
• Houston signed forward Trevor Ariza to a multiyear contract.
• Indiana signed forward Tyler Hansbrough.
• L.A. Lakers signed forward Ron Artest to a five-year contract and re-signed guard Shannon Brown to a two-year contract.
• Milwaukee signed guard Jodie Meeks to a three-year contract.
• Sacramento signed guard Tyreke Evans.
• San Antonio agreed to terms with forwards Antonio McDyess, Marcus Haslip and Malik Hairston.
• Toronto re-signed forward/center Andrea Bargnani to a five-year contract.

Tuesday, July 7
• Dallas signed guard Rodrigue Beaubois.

Monday, July 6

• Dallas signed guard Jason Kidd to a three-year contract.

Wednesday, July 1
• Chicago named Randy Brown director of player development.
• Boston announced guard Eddie House declined to exercise his option for free agency.
• L.A. Lakers announced guard Kobe Bryant declined to terminate the final two years of his contract.
• Philadelphia named Mike O'Koren associate head coach. Retained Jim Lynam and Aaron McKie as assistant coaches.
• Toronto named Alvin Williams and Francesco Cuzzolin assistant coaches. Re-signed Eric Hughes assistant coach.
• Utah signed guard Eric Maynor to a two-year contract.

Seven-game series needed to settle Kobe vs. LeBron

The LeBron James-Kobe Bryant debate may continue until both players have finished their careers.

I have to pause and take a real sucka-style swipe at my big homie Sekou Smith for this week's Hang Time blog post entitled "Hip hop is not recession proof." In it, he wrote the following, "When a cultural luminary like KRS-One decides to voice Santa on a Nike MVPuppets commercial, it just hammers home how far this global recession reaches. Somebody please knock me out so I can dream about 1989, because this can't be real! And if the Hip Hop proleteriat is going to allow these sorts of transgressions against the game, then maybe it's time I turned in my membership card."

I was prepared for the worst. But then I clicked on this link and saw KRS (The Blastmaster also goes by "Kris Parker" at the time ... so, this time he's Kris Kringle ... get it?) as a gazelled, Black Santa, spitting dope holiday rhymes over an actual real hip hop beat. How was this anything other than dope? This wasn't a commercial jingle, this was an actual song where KRS-One, Lupe Fiasco as Blitzen and the Kobe and LeBron MVPuppets (voiced by David Alan Grier and Kenan Thompson) narrate a fictional game between Blitzen and his reindeer crew against Kobe, LeBron and Santa. What made the Kobe/LeBron puppets team-up with Santa to play a crew of caribou? Well I watched this clip of the initial phone call where Blitzen, in a battle rhyme, challenges his boss over an old school 808 track, telling Santa "I'll throw ya' ball on the roof." Then Santa responds here, letting Blitzen know "You're the reindeer/I'm the driver."

We can act too cool for school like the legendary KRS-One and new millenium star Lupe Fiasco are somehow playing the clown roles for some checks, but last time I looked, more than a few rap luminaries have gone the Holiday route. The bottom line is, it works. The concept, the music -- Nike got this right.

This particular commercial series with Drew Brees and Peyton Manning as the MVPuppets, though, or Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard wouldn't have worked. It just wouldn't be the same. A few years back, the league took a lot of action to try to discreetly distance itself from its overt link to hip hop culture. But, to a large extent, hoops and hop will always be connected at the hip. You can institute dress codes and have country music acts perform during halftime of the All Star Game -- the hip hop/hoops bond is too organic and natural to detach. And, right now, hip hop -- its culture, its music, its artists -- is just as consumed with the Kobe/LeBron Debate (let's not call it a rivalry until they meet in The Finals) as the rest of the basketball world.

It wasn't lost on me that multi-platinum selling artist Young Jeezy's summer banger ("Kobe LeBron (24,23)") was a diss-song meant to, as always, lay out his bona fides. No current athletes are name checked in rap lyrics anywhere near as much as Kobe and LeBron and their names are always employed as some type of analogy to demonstrate how great the said rapper is. Rap music began as mainly a vehicle for battles. The emcee would get on the mic and tell the party/neighborhood/world why his DJ was better than all other DJs. That overarching theme of competition made and continues to make hip hop unique. It is the music that most closely resembles sport and, in its sport of choice, pro basketball, there's a battle going on. Kobe or LeBron, who you got?

Wu-Tang wasn't throwing out Clyde Drexler references in the 1990s. Until Allen Iverson came along, Michael Jordan held a monopoly on rap name-drops. These days, there isn't a consensus on the Kobe/LeBron debate. One thing, though, is clear: LeBron definitely gets more love from the under-30 artists, the new new-school. New rap artist Wale is the current king of athletic references. The 25-year-old D.C. bred star even namechecked Alex Ovechkin on one of his mixtapes. He's signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation management company, which makes him and LeBron siblings of sort. He said LeBron James is someone that he and his peers look up to, a global representative of their generation. He even went so far as to draw his personal line in the sand and cast his vote for LeBron as who he'd take in a do-or-die Game 7.

"I'm going with Lebron," he says. "He's got a lot to prove. He's also got a lot of haters. He wants be mentioned with the greats and I believe that's what's motivating him."

Not everyone would agree with him, but everyone has had their fair share of hour-long arguments and shoutfests attempting to settle that score. Neither player will be able to settle anything for us on Christmas Day or their next battle on TNT January 21st. What we really need (and want, honestly) is a seven-game series for all the team and personal chips. Until then, "Kobe or LeBron" is sport's equivalent to "Biggie or Pac," "Jay-Z or Nas."

No question who leads Dallas -- it's Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki may not be a talker but he's still the Mavs' unquestioned leader.

DALLAS -- In terms of calling out teammates, Dirk Nowitzki's declaration after blowing a winnable game last week doesn't register on the Stephen Jackson/Gerald Wallace Scale.

"It just feels like at home I've got to make every shot down the stretch to win," Nowitzki sighed at his locker following an 85-81 loss to the shorthanded Blazers. "That's how it feels. If I don't make it ... we're losing. I don't know. We've got to figure something out."

Thing is Nowitzki made nearly every shot that night, connecting on 10 of 13 and scoring 27 points. Nowitzki did miss a jumper from the left wing in the closing minute and didn't get a touch with a chance to tie in the closing seconds.

There's nothing wrong with Nowitzki shooting for perfection -- the greats are hardly ever satisfied -- but feeling he has to reach it in order for Dallas to have a chance seems to hint at more serious concerns. On the surface, the Southwest Division leaders shouldn't have many concerns at 21-9.

Frustration after a game all the Mavs felt they should have won is understandable, and you won't find anyone within team circles taking issue with Nowitzki. Unlike some locales where the message is often lost due to the messenger (see: Charlotte), Nowitzki has earned the right to be heard.

"Communication is key in any kind of profession and honesty is always a positive," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "I think it's great that Dirk speaks out."

While his image hardly screams outspoken, Nowitzki doesn't shy away from speaking his mind. He's done so at the expense of teammates, taking exception with Erick Dampier and Jason Terry in playoff series past. He's publicly questioned the owner, wondering if Mark Cuban would be better off upstairs than causing a commotion courtside. He's chastised the front office for not being on the same page back when Don Nelson roamed the sidelines.

"I maybe didn't do that when I was 20," Nowitzki said. "Now I pretty much say what I want. I pick my spots, but if there is something I have to address, I do that."

The former MVP doesn't confine his frustration to postgame talks with the media. Locker room speeches aren't his forte, but pulling a teammate aside to offer words of encouragement or verbal kicks to the backside are common.

"During the game, yeah, all the time," said J.J. Barea, a Nowitzki teammate for the last three seasons. "He comes to me and says, 'C'mon, lets go.' Individually he's good about that, but not in a group situation before the game or at halftime."

Nowitzki has a reason to feel too much responsibility has fallen on his shoulders, especially at home. Several crucial members of his supporting cast -- Terry, Shawn Marion, Jason Kidd, Drew Gooden and Tim Thomas -- are actually shooting better on the road than inside American Airlines Center.

Of the regular rotation pieces, only Barea, Josh Howard and Dampier are more efficient at home. So it makes sense that Nowitzki is getting the ball when the game is on the line. But more than just pure stats, don't those pressure-packed shots fall within his job description?

"We call plays at the end of the game for him," Marion said. "He's our go-to guy. If he gets double-teamed, he has to pass it to somebody, but if not he's got the green light to shoot it. He can shoot it over everybody.

"At the same time, I know what he felt like. I know what he's saying."

There's a natural tendency to rely too much on Nowitzki. He's the franchise, after all, and is putting up numbers that have him on the MVP short list with Kobe, LeBron, 'Melo and Steve Nash.

"We all understand that we can't be a one-man show," Carlisle said. "That formula is only going to take you so far in this league during this period of time. There were times in the past when a guy could carry a team, but now teams are too deep and have multiple stars."

Point made. The Mavs had seven hit double figures in Saturday's win over the streaking Grizzlies. So many guys stepped up in a tight game that Nowitzki didn't score in the fourth. It's a promising step for the Mavs heading into Sunday's visit to Denver with second place in the Western Conference at stake.

"We're in the business of winning games," Carlisle said. "That's what it is. The formula for our team is going to be good balance. Some nights we're going to need Dirk or maybe somebody else to carry us predominantly, but on a game-to-game basis it's asking too much [of Nowitzki]."

Several longtime Mavs -- and Cuban -- have said this is the most-talented team in the franchise's recent history, including the group that reached the 2006 Finals. They just have to prove it over the course of the season and not just in one game.

"Everybody has to contribute," Terry said. "We have plenty of pieces. The thing is we've all contributed at one point or another throughout the season, but we're trying to get on the same page where everybody is contributing at the same time and then it's going to be scary. I'm still waiting."

Nowitzki joked after the Memphis game that his words from three nights prior mattered little: "Who reads press clippings over Christmas?" He also downplayed his ability to inspire, though that's more about modesty than truth.

There's an old (failed) notion in these parts that Nowitzki isn't a leader. Sure, he's not the rah-rah type, but he doesn't bark just to hear how loud he can get. His message, one way or another, gets delivered.

"He's not a talker. I don't think he's every going to be a talker," Barea said. "He's out there working. He's the hardest worker on the team. He's a leader. He doesn't really have to talk that much."

But when he does ...

The Numbers Game ... Christmas Day style

With Dwight Howard leading the way, the Magic allow just 37.3 paint points per 100 possessions.

Christmas Day is the biggest stage in the NBA outside the postseason. And appropriately, seven of the nine best teams in the league are on the schedule. To get you ready, here are the critical and fascinating numbers behind each game.

Miami @ New York, 12 p.m. ET, ESPN

Miami Heat: 14-12 (5-4 on the road), Fifth in Eastern Conference
Pace: 93.3 possessions/48 min. (26th)
Offense: 105.0 points scored per 100 possessions (14th)
Defense: 103.2 points allowed per 100 possessions (14th)

New York Knicks: 11-17 (7-8 at home), Ninth in Eastern Conference
Pace: 96.9 possessions/48 min. (8th)
Offense: 103.4 points scored per 100 possessions (18th)
Defense: 105.7 points allowed per 100 possessions (21st)

Five Numbers to Consider:

• Dwyane Wade is shooting a career-low 43.2 percent. After averaging 11.4 free-throw attempts through the first 21 games, he's averaged just 4.2 in his last five.

• After starting the season 3-14, the Knicks have won eight of their last 11, including six straight at home. In that 11-game stretch, they're playing at a much slower pace (94.2 possessions per 48 minutes) than they were in the first 17 games (98.7). Now, 4.5 possessions might not seem like a lot, but it's the difference between being one of the four fastest teams in the league and being one of the 10 slowest.

• The Heat protect the ball very well, ranking second in the league by turning it over just 13.8 times per 100 possessions. But the Knicks' defense ranks sixth in turnover rate, forcing 16.6 per 100.

• The Knicks rank eighth in pace, but aren't a fast-break team. Only 9.2 percent of their points are scored on the break, ranking them 29th in fast break percentage. The Heat rank 28th at 9.3 percent.

• The Knicks defend the 3-point line very well, ranking third in the league by allowing their opponents to shoot just 31.8 percent from downtown. But they don't defend so well inside the arc, ranking 29th by allowing their opponents to shoot 52.8 percent from two-point range.

Boston @ Orlando, 2:30 p.m. ET, ABC

Boston Celtics: 22-5 (12-1 on the road), First in Eastern Conference
Pace: 94.1 possessions/48 min. (23rd)
Offense: 108.3 points scored per 100 possessions (5th)
Defense: 96.7 points allowed per 100 possessions (2nd)

Orlando Magic: 22-7 (12-2 at home), Second in Eastern Conference
Pace: 94.9 possessions/48 min. (15th)
Offense: 108.1 points scored per 100 possessions (7th)
Defense: 100.8 points allowed per 100 possessions (6th)

Five Numbers to Consider:

• The Celtics and Magic are the only two teams in the league that rank in the top seven in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Boston ranks first in efficiency differential, scoring 11.5 points more than their opponents per 100 possessions.

• No team has fallen off in the rebounding department this season more than the Celtics. They were the second best rebounding team in the league in 2008-09, but rank 21st this season. And the fall-off has occurred on both ends of the floor.

Celtics Rebounding Rates, Last Three Seasons

Season OReb Rate RK DReb Rate RK TReb Rate RK 2007-08 26.6 18 74.4 8 51.9 4 2008-09 27.9 8 75.6 3 52.8 2 2009-10 24.1 28 72.8 18 49.6 21

Reb Rate = Percentage of available rebounds obtained

Combined, Kevin Garnett (-1.0), Paul Pierce (-0.8) and Rajon Rondo (-1.8) are averaging 3.7 fewer boards per 40 minutes than they did last season. The Celtics are also missing Leon Powe (now with Cleveland), who was their best rebounder (11.2 per 40 minutes).

• The Magic are a very good defensive team, but rank last by forcing just 12.9 turnovers per 100 possessions. They defend well by keeping their opponents out of the paint (ranking second by allowing just 37.3 paint points per 100 possessions) and rebounding (leading the league by grabbing 78.8 percent of available defensive boards). Dwight Howard has a little something to do with those numbers.

• Paul Pierce, who is out for two weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery on his right knee Wednesday, will be missing just his fourth game since Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen came to Boston in 2007. The Celtics won the other three games (two in April of 2008 and one in April of 2009), but they were against teams with a combined 71-166 (0.300) record.

• Vince Carter is Orlando's leading scorer at 18.6 points per game, but he's shooting a career-low 39.8 percent from the field. Carter is also averaging his fewest field-goal attempts per game (16.1), but that's more than seven shots more than Dwight Howard. Even when you figure in Howard's frequent trips to the line, Carter's shooting more than the guy who ranks second in the league in field-goal percentage.

Cleveland @ L.A. Lakers, 5 p.m. ET, ABC

Cleveland Cavaliers: 22-8 (11-6 on the road), Third in Eastern Conference
Pace: 93.1 possessions/48 min. (28th)
Offense: 107.4 points scored per 100 possessions (8th)
Defense: 100.3 points allowed per 100 possessions (5th)

Los Angeles Lakers: 23-4 (16-2 at home), First in Western Conference
Pace: 97.5 possessions/48 min. (6th)
Offense: 105.1 points scored per 100 possessions (13th)
Defense: 96.4 points allowed per 100 possessions (1st)

Five Numbers to Consider:

• In their two meetings last season, the Lakers outscored the Cavs 104-52 in the paint. The Cavs ranked 19th in the league last year with a differential of -1.3 points in the paint per 100 possessions, while Shaquille O'Neal's Suns ranked first at +12.6. This year, Cleveland ranks 2nd with a differential of +6.4. The Lakers rank 4th at +5.1.

• Head-to-head, LeBron James leads Kobe Bryant 6-5. James is 6-6 in his career against the Lakers, but Bryant did not play in a Feb. 4, 2004 Lakers win. In the 11 games they've played against each other, James leads in points (26.8 to 24.2), rebounds (7.6 to 5.1), assists (6.7 to 4.9), steals (1.55 to 1.27) and blocks (0.55 to 0.27). Neither player has shot well in the 11 games; James has shot 41.6 percent, while Bryant has shot 42.5 percent.

• The Cavs are the best 3-point shooting team in the league, hitting 42.3 from beyond the arc. The Lakers have the best 3-point defense, allowing their opponents to shoot just 30.1 percent.

• Comparing their efficiency to the league average, this is the worst offensive team the Lakers have had during Kobe Bryant's 14-year career. They're 1.3 points per 100 possessions better than the league average, but that's worse than the +1.5 difference they had in his rookie season of 1996-97.

This is also the best defensive team the Lakers have had during Bryant's career, allowing 7.4 points per 100 possessions less than the league average. The total difference of 8.7 points per 100 possessions ranks 2nd among Lakers teams since '96-97. Only the 1999-00 team (the first of the three-peat squads) was better, with a difference of 9.0 (+3.3 offensively and -5.6 defensively).

• On Sunday, James played his 500th career regular season game. The Cavs had a record of 299-201 (0.598) in those 500 games. The Lakers were 347-153 (0.694) in Bryant's first 500 games, picking up three titles along the way.

L.A. Clippers @ Phoenix, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

Los Angeles Clippers: 12-16 (5-8 on the road), 13th in Western Conference
Pace: 94.4 possessions/48 min. (20th)
Offense: 101.4 points scored per 100 possessions (23rd)
Defense: 103.4 points allowed per 100 possessions (17th)

Phoenix Suns: 18-11 (10-2 at home), Fourth in Western Conference
Pace: 97.9 possessions/48 min. (5th)
Offense: 111.1 points scored per 100 possessions (1st)
Defense: 107.6 points allowed per 100 possessions (25th)

Five Numbers to Consider:

• In October and November, the Suns went 14-3, scoring 114.0 points per 100 possessions. In December, they're 4-8 and scoring just 106.8 points per 100 possessions. The difference isn't Steve Nash. He's shooting better from the field and averaging 4.5 more points in the last 12 games than he did in first 17. But after shooting 50.3 percent in October and November, Nash's teammates are shooting just 45.9 percent in December.

• Before this season, Suns center Channing Frye had attempted 70 3-pointers in 278 career games (0.3 per game). This season, Frye has attempted 167 threes in 29 games (5.8 per game).

• The Clippers lead the league by blocking 6.32 shots per game. They've blocked 10 or more shots four times this season. Only twice since the 2004-05 season (5-plus years) have the Suns had 10 or more of their shots blocked.

• Three times in his 701-game career has Baron Davis played at least 24 minutes and scored two points (or less). Two of those times have been this season: Opening night against the Lakers on Nov. 23 against the Timberwolves.

• The last time these teams played in Phoenix (Feb. 17), the Suns won the game 140-100. It was the third largest margin of victory for the Suns since Steve Nash returned to Phoenix in 2004 and the second largest defeat for the Clippers in that same time period.

Denver @ Portland, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Denver Nuggets: 20-9 (7-8 on the road), Second in Western Conference
Pace: 98.2 possessions/48 min. (4th)
Offense: 109.6 points scored per 100 possessions (3rd)
Defense: 103.3 points allowed per 100 possessions (15th)

Portland Trail Blazers: 19-12 (10-4 at home), Fifth in Western Conference
Pace: 90.1 possessions/48 min. (30th)
Offense: 105.6 points scored per 100 possessions (11th)
Defense: 101.3 points allowed per 100 possessions (8th)

Five Numbers to Consider:

• Carmelo Anthony scored 20 points or more in the first 21 games of the season and has done it in 27 of his 29 games total. The Nuggets are 9-0 when Anthony scores between 20 and 29 points, but just 10-8 when he scores 30 or more. One of those 10 wins was in Portland on Oct. 29, when he scored 41 points against the Blazers.

• No team makes a better living at the free throw line than the Nuggets. They rank first with an average of 32.9 free throw attempts per 100 possessions and rank second in the league by shooting them at an 80.4 percent clip.

• The Blazers are one of only two teams that ranks in the top 10 of both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage. They rank eighth by grabbing 28.4 percent of available offensive boards and seventh by grabbing 75.0 percent of available defensive boards.

• The Nuggets have lost their last four road games and are much worse offensively away from the Pepsi Center. At home, they score 114.5 points per 100 possessions. On the road, they score 104.8. Ball movement may be the biggest issue. At home, they assist on 62.3 percent of their field goals, as opposed to 50.4 on the road.

• Portland ranks last in the league by scoring just 34.4 percent of their points in the paint. They also rank last by scoring just 8.0 percent of their points on the break. They're a half-court, jump-shooting team.

All numbers are through Wednesday, Dec. 23.