J.R. Smith could face ramifications for behavior

DENVER (AP) -- The Denver Nuggets are talking about a possible punishment for sulking guard J.R. Smith, whose behavior has rubbed management the wrong way.

Smith didn't attend an optional practice Sunday, after which coach George Karl described his behavior on the bench Saturday night as "eclectic." Karl said he would meet with the team's brass before deciding what to do.

One possibility is a suspension for Smith, who has been mired in a season-long slump and evidently was pouting Saturday night when he played a season-low 12 minutes in Denver's 116-110 win over New Orleans.

Smith pledged more maturity this season after pleading guilty to reckless driving in a car crash that killed a friend. He spent 24 days in a New Jersey correctional facility and was suspended by the NBA for the first seven games this season.

Carmelo Anthony, the NBA's second-leading scorer, went in for treatment on his left ankle, which he sprained in overtime Saturday night, and said he would miss Denver's game against Charlotte on Monday night.

Anthony said his ankle didn't swell overnight and that he didn't feel it was a serious injury. Still, he said it was best to rest until the Nuggets visit Houston on Wednesday night.