Anthony's status still up in air for Cavs game

Carmelo Anthony participated in some of the Nuggets' practice this morning, but his status for Friday's game against Cleveland is still unknown.

"I thought he did more today," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "But, again, I'm going to wait until tomorrow before I make predictions on any of them."

Anthony, who has missed three consecutive games with a right knee bruise, is one of four Nuggets whose status remains questionable at best for Friday. Anthony did not speak with reporters immediately after practice.

Nene (ankle), Chris Andersen (ankle), Ty Lawson (ankle) are the other walking wounded. Andersen is listed as doubtful, though he sounded upbeat after doing some running and stationary bike work this morning.

Lawson again said he'll wait until tomorrow to determine whether he'll play or not.

Meanwhile, Chauncey Billups participated in his second practice and was proclaimed ready to go by Karl. Billups has missed eight of the past nine games with a left groin strain.

"Chauncey looked good," Karl said. "It looks like he's ready to go."

Melo gaining ground on Kobe

The NBA announced today that Anthony remains the Western Conference's top vote-getter at forward for the All-Star Game. But Anthony (1,568,259 votes) trails only the Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant (1,793,782).

Also, Denver's Nene is third among centers in the West. And Chauncey Billups is seventh among guards.

NBA all-star voting

Through Thursday; game tips-off Feb. 14 at Arlington, Texas

Western Conference

FORWARDS: Carmelo Anthony, Denver, 1,568,259; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas, 826,130; Tim Duncan, San Antonio, 776,225; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers, 754,070; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City, 556,847; Trevor Ariza, Houston, 504,725; Luis Scola, Houston, 437,944; Shawn Marion, Dallas, 295,310; Ron Artest, L.A. Lakers, 266,554; Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers, 194,567; LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland, 177,663.

GUARDS: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers, 1,793,782; Tracy McGrady, Houston, 746,625; Steve Nash, Phoenix, 744,250; Chris Paul, New Orleans, 701,417; Aaron Brooks, Houston, 443,369; Jason Kidd, Dallas, 429,720; Chauncey Billups, Denver, 310,281; Deron Williams, Utah, 285,185; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio, 261,107; Brandon Roy, Portland, 257,231; Tony Parker, San Antonio, 248,951.

CENTERS: Amar'e Stoudemire, Phoenix, 1,304,470; Andrew Bynum, L.A. Lakers, 743,182; Nene, Denver, 261,295; Marc Gasol, Memphis, 217,675; Antonio McDyess, San Antonio, 157,346; Al Jefferson, Minnesota, 146,773; Greg Oden, Portland, 136,388; Marcus Camby, L.A. Clippers, 121,981; Andris Biedrins, Golden State, 102,095; Mehmet Okur, Utah, 96,897; Emeka Okafor, New Orleans, 94,685; Spencer Hawes, Sacramento, 31,767.

Eastern Conference

FORWARDS: LeBron James, Cleveland, 1,769,287; Kevin Garnett, Boston, 1,467,365; Chris Bosh, Toronto, 724,317; Paul Pierce, Boston, 366,234; Josh Smith, Atlanta, 334,338; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, 228,343; Danny Granger, Indiana, 213,371; Michael Beasley, Miami, 188,552; Rashard Lewis, Orlando, 151,717; Hedo Turkoglu, Toronto, 133,445; Caron Butler, Washington, 110,003.

GUARDS: Dwyane Wade, Miami, 1,719,359; x-Allen Iverson, Philadelphia, 930,713; Vince Carter, Orlando, 745,581; Ray Allen, Boston, 510,885; Gilbert Arenas, Washington, 445,473; Derrick Rose, Chicago, 385,829; Joe Johnson, Atlanta, 329,100; Rajon Rondo, Boston, 269,566; Jose Calderon, Toronto, 157,354; Mike Bibby, Atlanta, 155,078.

CENTERS: Dwight Howard, Orlando, 1,681,897; Shaquille O'Neal, Cleveland, 609,486; Al Horford, Atlanta, 178,360; Andrea Bargnani, Toronto, 168,684; Brook Lopez, New Jersey, 154,362; Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee143,545; Jermaine O'Neal, Miami, 111,065; Rasheed Wallace, Boston, 87,590; Kendrick Perkins, Boston, 56,598; Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia, 53,880; Tyson Chandler, Charlotte, 44,279; Brad Miller, Chicago, 40,182.

x-Iverson appears among Western Conference guards.

Walton practices, Gasol could return Sunday

Luke Walton participated in his first full practice since a pinched nerve curtailed his activity three months ago. He underwent a surgical procedure Nov. 19 to alleviate pain.

“He’s looking really good. He’s close to playing,” Jackson said. “Fortunately we didn’t do a whole lot of running today. With four games in five nights, we had to slow it down a little bit. Next week we hope he’s back on the court fully.”

Jackson also said Pau Gasol could possibly play Sunday against Milwaukee. If not, definitely some time next week.

“Maybe Sunday, if things shape up,” Jackson said.

Gasol strained his left hamstring muscle last Sunday in the first quarter against Dallas and has missed the past two games. He is expected to be on the bench again Friday when the Lakers play at Portland.

Pacers are 11-23, but in hunt

The Indiana Pacers are 12 games under .500 and tied for the fifth-worst record in the NBA. They have had losing streaks of eight, six, four and three games this season.

Start the John Wall Watch, right?

Not if you play in the Eastern Conference.

The Pacers enter tonight's game at Minnesota (7-29) just four games out of the final playoff spot.

"Amazing, huh?" forward Troy Murphy said. "We'd already know that our summer vacation would start in the middle in April if I was still in Golden State and we had this record. You'd be getting ready for the (NBA draft) lottery if you played in the West."

The East has been top-heavy for several seasons. Losing teams have made the playoffs each of the past four seasons. Just five of the 15 teams have a winning record this season. Ten of the West's 15 teams are above .500. If the playoffs started today, two winning teams would stay home.

"There's just a lot of bad teams. What else can I say?" benched point guard T.J. Ford said last week.

The Pacers have several obstacles to overcome before they can think about participating in the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

Their chemistry has been out of sorts, they have yet to establish consistency, outside of their five-game winning streak earlier this season, and they have to pass five teams just to get to the No. 8 spot.

Tonight will be an interesting case study. The Pacers are coming off an impressive victory over Orlando and face Minnesota, which has the second-worst record in the league.

"The good news is that in the East, you're never really out of it," said swingman Mike Dunleavy, who is trying to regain his form after offseason knee surgery. "You're a winning streak away from being right back in the middle of things. Unfortunately, we have dug ourselves a bit of a hole."

The Pacers are slowly starting to get healthy. All 15 players practiced for the first time in about two years the past two days. All-Star Danny Granger (foot) is practicing and should return in about two weeks.

"We have to grow the young guys, get (Dunleavy's) strength back and try to still be in a playoff race when Danny gets back," coach Jim O'Brien said. "When Danny gets back, we need to be a better team than when he left."

Some fans would rather see the Pacers slide into a high lottery pick, possibly getting lucky enough to earn a shot at Wall -- Kentucky's star freshman guard -- than back into a likely one-and-done first-round matchup against Boston, Cleveland or Orlando and another mid-first-round draft pick.

The Pacers don't see it that way.

President Larry Bird doesn't believe in tanking a season to move up in the lottery, and O'Brien is so competitive that he joked he likes to beat his daughter in checkers.

"What has happened to a large extent over the past couple of weeks is downright irrelevant from the standpoint of our guys getting out and competing for a win," O'Brien said. "You can talk all you want about this didn't happen well or that didn't happen well or this guy's hurt; it's meaningless.

"Get a win. Get a win. That's it. Now, if we can start getting ourselves in a position where we feel that we're playing solidly, then we can talk about where we are within the East."

Jazz notes: Williams, Price miss practice

Between Deron Williams ' right wrist and Ronnie Price 's left shoulder, the Jazz were down to just one point guard in Sundiata Gaines at Thursday's practice. Never mind, of course, that it also happened to be Gaines' first NBA practice.

After sitting out Wednesday's victory over Memphis with a bruised and sprained wrist, Williams continued to wear a brace Thursday. His availability for tonight's game against the Grizzlies to complete the home-and-home set remains uncertain.

"I've just got to keep getting treatment," Williams said. "That's really all I can do. We'll see how it feels. If it wasn't my shooting hand, I think I could play.

I won't be able to shoot like this."

Price is dealing with left shoulder tendinitis and played Wednesday with his shoulder taped. He acknowledged, "It had its sore moments," but Price was able to play despite some initial concerns about being able to shoot and dribble.

Assisted care

The Jazz now have played three games without Williams this season, beating Philadelphia 112-90 as part of their November trip and nearly upsetting Cleveland the following night on the Cavaliers' home court.

With Williams out Wednesday, the Jazz totaled a season-high 39 assists, shot better than 60 percent through three quarters and demolished the Grizzlies 117-94.

"They played great yesterday," Williams said. "It just looked like a different team out there, a different energy we had. We finally shared the ball. It's something we've got to continue to do."

The explanation might be as simple as the Jazz making a collective effort in Williams' absence. "A lot of guys stepped up. It wasn't just one guy," Williams said. "Hopefully, people can stay with that same confidence when I come back."

"When Deron's not in the game," Price added, "we have to find other ways to put the ball in the basket, other ways to get the job done, and the best way that we do that is by running and executing our offense."

Day 2

Never in his wildest imagination did Gaines think he would play 21 minutes in his Jazz debut after being called up Tuesday on a 10-day contract from Idaho of the NBA Development League.

"I played more minutes than some of the guys that's been here for a long time," Gaines said. "That's kind of surprising and shocking to me, but I'm happy for it."

Having only gone through a game-day shootaround, Gaines knew the Jazz's basic pick-and-roll set, a handful of automatic reads and one inbounds play. He was set to delve a little deeper at Thursday's practice.

Williams offered encouragement after the game, with Gaines saying: "He just told me keep going, I had a great game, and just keep playing hard and competing." Gaines also was looking forward to his first NBA trip and flying on the Jazz's charter.

"I'm taking in every moment," Gaines said. "It's kind of hard to actually be playing and trying to take in every moment, but this is like monumental for me, so I'm just like enjoying the moment."

Tyrus Thomas back in Chicago Bulls starting role? 'Not yet'

The question started as soon as Tyrus Thomas dropped 21 points and nine rebounds on the Hornets in his first game back after missing seven weeks with a fractured radius in his left forearm:

When will Thomas return to his starting power forward position in place of rookie Taj Gibson?

Coach Vinny Del Negro answered the same way after Thursday's practice as he did in the wake of that Dec. 26 game:

"Not yet," Del Negro said.

Though Del Negro continues to insist nothing is permanent, Gibson's heady, steady play is testing the age-old theory that players don't lose starting jobs to injury. That Thomas has struggled in his reserve role for three straight games -- after three games of major impact -- hasn't swayed Del Negro's stance for now.

The Bulls' coach rejected a question about whether returning Thomas to the lineup might jump-start the fourth-year forward, who is averaging 6.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in just 19.7 minutes over those last three games.

"Taj has earned every minute," Del Negro said. "With Taj and Kirk (Hinrich) in the lineup, we've had better starts at times. Guys are going to get their minutes if they're productive, execute the game plan and know what we're doing. I'm happy with the starters right now and there's no reason to change anything until I feel differently."

Contrast Thomas' numbers from his first three games back, when he averaged 16 points and 10.3 rebounds in 30.3 minutes and typically played all or at least the majority of the fourth quarter. Not only is Thomas no longer starting games, he's not finishing them either.

"The more consistent he is on the court, the more minutes he'll get just like everybody else," Del Negro said. "We need him to play well and he knows that.

"I don't think he has been in as good of a rhythm as he was the first few. He gave us such a big boost when he came back. He'll be fine. I thought he had an excellent practice (Thursday). We need his activity and shot-blocking and running the court. He gives us more of an athletic presence. We'll get him back on track."

Thomas was the only Bull to make himself available Thursday to a group interview that, given his private and genuine nature, he doesn't enjoy doing. His occasionally terse answers did nothing to dispel that dynamic.

"Next question," Thomas said, when asked if he has struggled to find his offensive rhythm.

But Thomas became more expansive when asked if he's healthy.

"I feel fine," he said. "I'm 95 percent now. Just trying once again to find my niche on this team. I think I have a pretty positive effect, whether it be energy or whatever. I feel as long as I'm on the floor, we have a pretty good chance of winning."

Making the situation more intriguing is Gibson's recent revelation that, while he feels comfortable in either role, he finds coming off the bench easier.

"You can see what's happening on the floor before you go in and then you just work your minutes," Gibson said in a recent interview. "I'm fine in either role, but, yeah, the reserve role is a little easier."

Thomas is tired of doing drama and is looking inward to improve. But this is certain: He believes he is a starter as much as he believes in this team.

"I'm very confident (we can improve)," Thomas said. "We have a great team. We've shown what we can do once everybody's on the same page."

Especially when Thomas is a big part of the story.

Voters want to see T-Mac

Tracy McGrady has gotten further from his six-game stint of cameos this season and his tenure with the Rockets, but he has moved another week closer to returning to the floor — as a starter in the All-Star Game.

In the latest voting update, McGrady remained second among Western Conference guards behind only the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, taking a slightly larger lead on Suns guard Steve Nash for the starting position.

McGrady said last month that he would not participate unless he was playing at an All-Star level at the time of the Feb 14 game. But the NBA had always required healthy players voted in as starters to play in the game.

A day after Suns coach Alvin Gentry strongly criticized the voting, McGrady was ahead of Nash by 2,375 votes. McGrady, a seven-time All Star, played just 46 minutes this season before the Rockets, unwilling to grant his plea for increased playing time, agreed to try to accommodate his trade request and grant him a leave of absence. He played in just 35 games last season.

But McGrady is not the only former high-scoring All-Star fixture in position to start the game. Philadelphia guard Allen Iverson, who has played in just 13 games this season, 10 with the Sixers, is also second in the voting, behind Dwyane Wade among Eastern Conference guards.

LeBron James leads Eastern Conference players in the balloting and would start at forward with Kevin Garnett with Dwight Howard at center.

Carmelo Anthony is second to Bryant among Western Conference players and would start at forward with Dirk Nowitzki with Amar'e Stoudemire at center.

Thursday's was the final ballot update prior to the Jan. 21 announcement of the game's starters. McGrady led through each of the updates last season but was overtaken in the voting between the last update and the close of balloting.

Gambling Concerns Prompt an N.B.A. Team to Act

Washington's Gilbert Arenas was suspended indefinitely Wednesday over a gun case stemming in part from a gambling dispute with a teammate.

Before the Washington Wizards had a gun problem, they had a gambling problem — a high-stakes card game that ended in acrimony, threats and ultimately a locker-room showdown that has thrust the franchise into chaos.

The N.B.A. is confronting a number of serious issues in the Gilbert Arenas saga, with firearms possession the most grave concern. But the popularity of gambling among players, and its potential for disruptive results, is also coming under intense scrutiny.

There are indications that the N.B.A. is now considering new gambling restrictions for players. One team has already acted. On Wednesday, the Nets informed players that gambling was no longer permitted on team flights.

“We did,” Rod Thorn, the Nets’ president, said Thursday in a telephone interview in which he confirmed that the team had instituted a ban. “I think after this incident with the Wizards that we just decided that we would not have any on our planes. We’ve never had a problem with it. But obviously, you can see what can happen.”

Thorn, who was formerly the chief of discipline for the N.B.A., said he was not aware of any other teams instituting a prohibition on gambling. He declined to speculate on whether Commissioner David Stern would act. However, a number of team executives, agents and others with ties to the league said they believed the matter was under serious consideration.

Thorn said he acted after discussing the issue with the Nets’ owner, Bruce Ratner, who urged that a ban be enacted. Thorn said the Nets’ rationale was simple: “Why take a chance on something like that happening? It’s obviously not good for the league and the team.”

Playing cards, dominoes and dice to pass the time on team flights is an entrenched part of N.B.A. culture. Players sometimes bet with $100 bills, and the stakes can quickly reach into the thousands, which can lead to bruised egos and hard feelings.

That, according to multiple news reports, is what happened on the Wizards’ team flight from Phoenix to Washington on Dec. 19. Arenas, the Wizards’ star guard, and Javaris Crittenton, a journeyman, reportedly argued during a card game, with Crittenton threatening to shoot Arenas in his surgically repaired knee.

The conflict spilled into the locker room two days later, when Arenas, according to reports, laid four unloaded handguns on a chair and, apparently in jest, instructed Crittenton to “pick one.”

The Washington Post reported in Thursday’s editions that Crittenton then displayed his own gun and loaded it. That previously unreported detail was based on two firsthand accounts, according to The Post.

If the report is true, Crittenton could face more devastating consequences than Arenas, whose guns — according to his own account and multiple news reports — were unloaded. Both players could be charged with violating the District of Columbia’s strict gun laws, which generally prohibit carrying firearms in public.

The N.B.A. declined to comment on The Post’s article. League officials have generally kept silent while waiting for local and federal authorities to complete their investigation.

Stern’s only comment on the affair came Wednesday, when he suspended Arenas indefinitely, primarily because of Arenas’s cavalier actions over the last week. Before a game in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Arenas pantomimed shooting his teammates with his fingers. And he spent last weekend making irreverent remarks about the case on his Twitter account.

The Wizards were preparing to fine Arenas’s teammates for their role Tuesday night, according to ESPN. In a photograph, a number of players can be seen smiling and laughing while Arenas points his “guns” at them.

In the wake of the suspension, the Wizards franchise has sought to distance itself from Arenas. Workers on Thursday removed a large banner of Arenas — surrounded by the words “Character, Commitment, Connection” — outside the Verizon Center in downtown Washington.

The N.B.A. prohibits firearms possession at all team facilities and while traveling on team business. But curtailing players’ gambling activities could be difficult.

Games involving gambling are prevalent on team planes, and they often continue on bus rides and at team hotels, where the games can go on until early in the morning. Policing the activity at all times is practically impossible, which is why Stern might ultimately decide not to propose new rules.

Under the collective bargaining agreement, teams have broad latitude to set their own rules in areas on issues like curfews, dress codes and workout regimens. It is not clear whether any other teams are preparing to restrict gambling on team flights. A half-dozen team executives contacted on Thursday said they were not considering any new rules.

Donnie Walsh, the Knicks’ president, said the Arenas case had caused him some concern over his own team’s gambling activity.

“They were using chips; they started to go with cash a little bit,” he said of his own players. “But now, my security guy is going to sit down and we’re going to have to change some things. I really don’t know what the right answer is. I hope they don’t play for a lot of money.”

Mark Bartelstein, an N.B.A. agent for 25 years, may be the most outspoken critic of player gambling — a position he held long before he began representing Crittenton last month. He speculated that if the N.B.A. moved to ban gambling, not a single team would oppose it.

“There’s nothing good about it and a whole lot of bad,” Bartelstein said. “The reality of it is, it gets way out of hand. The money involved is really insane. That’s the only word I can use.”

The disparity in salaries can have a devastating effect during a high-stakes card game, Bartelstein said. An undrafted rookie may make just $458,000 a year, and yet could end up playing a high-stakes card game against a superstar teammate making $18 million.

“And it’s ruthless,” Bartelstein said. “There’s no mercy. I think it’s unhealthy.”

Fights over gambling debts are a potential consequence. But Bartelstein said his greater concern was for players’ financial well-being, given the fleeting nature of an N.B.A. career. He said he frequently lectured his clients on gambling and had spoken with teams about banning it.

Al Harrington, a veteran forward for the Knicks, said that not all card games involve high stakes, and that not all of them are played for money.

“A lot of people do it to pass the time,” he said. “A lot of times you’re on flights for two, three hours. No one wants to sit there and look at each other, so a lot of the time, you play cards, different games.”

Bartelstein said the current scandal should prompt the N.B.A. to consider new restrictions. “I think David Stern is very much interested in protecting the image of the league,” he said. “I think that they will look at it.”

ASK IRA: Why did Spo' stick with Chalmers?

Q: Hey Ira, why do you think Coach Spo' left Chalmers in the game during overtime, when his suspect defense is what led to overtime and yet another loss? I know Arroyo's defense isn't much better, but a switch up and veteran player could've made a difference. -- Serge.

A: I don't think either of them needed to be in, especially with Dwyane dominating the ballhandling. The problem is that Daequan Cook has fallen out of the rotation. It is among the reasons why Rafer Alston actually should be able to help. If anything, having more size against the inbounds pass would have helped, as, possibly, would have had having Dorell Wright in the game. Erik did not substitute once in the overtime.

Q: Where were the subs in the overtime against the Celtics? Why not go with D-Wright and Beasley (even if he struggled in regulation, he has more upside, second only to Wade)? -- Julio.

A: The Beasley thing is beyond confounding. One or two more baskets in regulation and there would not have been an issue. I know Udonis was playing well, but Jermaine was timid out there, bypassing shots and short on one. It doesn't always have to be either/or with Beasley and Haslem. Michael might not be a three, but Udonis can be a five.

Q: Ira, don't you think the average fan and media member is more than a bit too hard on young players such as Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers (particularly Beasley)? As second-year players, I hardly think they have reached full maturity as basketball players and maximized their potential. Why don't we give players time to develop anymore? -- Steven.

A: The difference is the Heat also is in somewhat of a "win-now" mode, amid its hopes of retaining Dwyane Wade as a free agent. Because of that, Beasley and Chalmers, but especially Mario, have been asked to do more than they might be ready for. With Michael, it's more a case of not being afforded ample on-the-job training. Yes, there is upside. But when you ask if there is patience, can there be from this team at this stage?

Q: Six-tenths of a second seemed like an awfully small amount of time for what transpired against the Celtics at the buzzer. It seemed like by the time the ball got into Rondo's hands, at least a second had passed. How does it work? Do the .6 seconds only start when the ball has reached a player's hands? Or as soon as the ball leaves the passer? -- Moshe.

A: It is when the ball is touched. And replay showed Rondo easily beat the clock.

Q: Considering Alston had interest from Cleveland, a title contender, what was the decisive factor for Alston to choose Miami? -- Justin.

A: From the moment he left here, he has always wanted to return. Plus, in Cleveland he would have been no better than a backup to Mo Williams. Here he will be there starter within the next 48 to 72 hours.

Wizards begin the process of moving forward without Gilbert Arenas

When fans arrive at Verizon Center for the Washington Wizards' game against the Orlando Magic on Friday, they will see a barren wall along the Sixth Street side of the arena. On Thursday afternoon, workers pulled down a huge cloth banner of a dribbling Gilbert Arenas emerging from the team slogan with the words: "Character. Commitment. Connection."

Within minutes, the banner was on the ground, crumpled in a heap. The image was symbolic of Arenas's fall and murky future a day after NBA Commissioner David Stern suspended the three-time all-star indefinitely for his words and conduct after it was revealed that he had a confrontation with teammate Javaris Crittenton involving handguns.

After an incident in which Arenas cocked his fingers into fake guns and playfully shot his teammates before a game in Philadelphia, and some bizarre comments to reporters and on his Twitter account, which was shut down Thursday, Stern called Arenas "not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game."

Arenas received word of the suspension on his 28th birthday, only hours before the Wizards were to face once-hated rival Cleveland. After the Wizards (11-22) lost for the fifth time in six games, Arenas flew back to Dulles International Airport with his teammates, which could serve as his last contact with them -- outside of any personal interaction -- for some time. While Arenas still has access to the arena, a team spokesman said that the league and the Wizards both determined that it was in the best interest of everyone involved that he stay away from games and team-related functions.

DeShawn Stevenson said that the Wizards "might break" if some other tribulation is added to all that they have endured this season -- from the death of owner Abe Pollin, a woeful performance on the court, injuries to key players Antawn Jamison and Mike Miller, the circus that has followed Arenas since he admitted to bringing four unloaded weapons to Verizon Center, and now a suspension that puts in doubt Arenas's possible return before the season ends.

"David Stern is not taking this lightly, but we need Gilbert," Stevenson said. "It's hard to play through this. We're human."

When told of Stevenson's comments, Jamison said: "If my teammates start saying that, we're going to lose. We got to put it behind us. This guy is a special talent. So we're going to miss him, whether it's due to injury or whatever. We would love to have him, but a situation like this draws you closer as a team. We need to really just go out there and have fun again. We still got a long way to go for the season. No reason to say, 'It's a done deal and let's concentrate on next year.' That won't happen at all."

The Wizards had grown accustomed to playing without Arenas the past two seasons, as he was limited to just 15 regular season games while recovering from a troublesome left knee. But this situation is different, with the organization distancing itself from Arenas with strong statements from the Pollin family, the removal of the banner at the arena and the stripping of Arenas's prominent role on the team Web site. The challenge ahead appears more grueling, as Coach Flip Saunders tries to make do with Earl Boykins and Randy Foye trying to fill in for a player who led the team with 22.6 points and 7.2 assists per game.

"Not one person is going to put up those numbers. It's going to have to be done collectively, as a group, as a team," team President Ernie Grunfeld said. "The league took action. We supported it and it's something that we're going to deal with. I think [this season] has been difficult for everybody; it's been frustrating. We haven't reached the levels that we wanted to reach. We've taken a couple of steps forward and a few steps back. Obviously, it's going to be more difficult" without Arenas.

The Wizards could potentially look into voiding what's left of the six-year, $111 million contract Arenas signed in 2008, using the "moral turpitude" provision in the Uniform Player Contract. But that is unlikely to occur without a lengthy legal fight with the players' union, which would consider it a bad precedent. And, according to multiple sources it is not an option that the team has begun discussing.

One source said the team wouldn't seriously consider it until the legal process plays out. Arenas is being probed by local and federal authorities and the league for storing guns in what he called "a misguided effort to play a joke on a teammate."

Despite the serious nature of his circumstances, Arenas tried to combat it with humor, but the photo of his teammates laughing as he pretended to shoot them with his fingers has the team considering possible fines.

But according to a source, no decision would be made on the size of the fines until the team can determine if it was premeditated and more evidence surfaces. Some of his teammates referred to it as "Gil being Gil."

"I think it was perceived the wrong way," Nick Young said. "Through tough times, you can't just be so down on yourself. He was just trying to keep his head and amuse himself and have that good vibe. During the moment, people laughed and we didn't think about it until after it."

Said Stevenson: "It's not a laughing matter and we don't think it was a laughing matter. But at the time, the situation, that's who Gilbert is. We're not trying to offend nobody. At the time, if you know Gilbert and been around him, he always plays around."

But no one with the Wizards is laughing today.

Heat 109, Suns 105

Observations from Friday's 109-105 victory over the Suns at US Airways Center:

• So much for Dwyane Wade swearing off 3-pointers. He made two in a monster first half that included 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists,
• That had Wade gunning for the franchise's first triple-double since Shaquille O'Neal had 15 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists April 11, 2006 against Toronto.
• Wade entered with three career triple-doubles, his most recent Jan. 13, 2006 in Seattle, when he had 15 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds.
  
• Despite missing four consecutive shots, Michael Beasley (pictured below) again helped carried the Heat offense early, with 18 points in the first half, as well as seven rebounds over those two periods.
• While Beasley's scoring tapered off in the second half, this time he got some late minutes, but not the late seconds when the Heat could have used his scoring.
• Still, no complaints about Jermaine O'Neal being in at the finish, not after he clutch play in the final minute.
  
• But the Suns' balance was a huge factor. Unlike the Heat, Phoenix never felt the need to limit its scoring attempts to one or two players.
• Grant Hill never ceases to amaze.
  
• And with the Heat so concentrated in its approach, Phoenix was able to turn to its zone with confidence.
  
• Dorell Wright was at his long-limbed best midway through the second quarter, sparking a Heat rally from 13 down with his defense and movement off the ball. He shot 4 of 5 in playing all 12 second-quarter minutes. He had four steals in those 12 minutes.
• The four steals were the most in a quarter by a Heat player this season and tied for the high in a half.
  
• The Suns shot a scorching 59.1 percent in the first quarter in taking a 33-27 lead into the second period.
• The Heat then outscored Phoenix 32-20 in the second quarter, for a 59-53 halftime lead, turning it around with a 16-2 run that took it from a 43-30 deficit to a 46-45 lead.
• The Heat forced 11 turnovers over the first half, while committing only four. That led to a 15-2 scoring advantage off miscues over the first 24 minutes.
• Jermaine O'Neal continually struggled with his offense from point-blank range, missing five consecutive shots before he was lifted late in the third quarter.
• In fact, the best play by a Heat big man might have been an emphatic fourth-quarter dunk by reserve center Joel Anthony.
  
• The Heat consistently played denial with Steve Nash on Suns inbound passes, doubling him with the inbound passer's defender.
  
• With the Heat going with three point guards and three centers on the active list, James Jones joined Yakhouba Diawara on the inactive list. "Just a numbers crunch," Jones said.
• Alston's arrival moved former starter Carlos Arroyo to third string at point guard, behind Mario Chalmers. Arroyo, who had his contract guaranteed Wednesday, still called playing in his college town and adopted hometown a "dream job."
• It was Alston's first start for the Heat since March 12, 2004 against Seattle.
• After Chalmers left with a second foul midway through the second quarter, it was Alston, and not Arroyo, who entered. Chalmers and Alston split the time at the point during that 16-2 second-quarter rally.
• Alston said his stint under Stan Van Gundy last season in Orlando has him backing off his pregame ritual of three cups of coffee with three sugars apiece. "Just two cups," Alston said. "Stan told me to tone it down."
• Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald was among those in the front row.

Notes & quotes from Thursday's Blazers practice

Not your average day-before-the-game practice Thursday at the Trail Blazers practice facility in Tualatin.

It's not unusual to hear practice while it's happening in the designated media area at the PF, which resides off court in a room no larger than your living room, separated from the courts by a closed door. Most days you'll hear the squeaks of sneakers, tweets of whistles, the loud buzz of the horn, coaches shouting instructions and players yelling amongst each other as they communicate on defense. Earlier this season during drills in training camp, the team was as vocal as I've heard them through that door.

Today was slightly different. By now you've read the reports from Thursday's practice which featured an exchange between head coach Nate McMillan and a voice that sounded to be that of Andre Miller. The exchange, which lasted nearly 30 minutes, was loud enough to be heard by the media members in the waiting room. I wasn't close enough to hear exactly what was said, so I won't speculate on that, but it was clear this was not a friendly discussion.

Here's the gist of today's airing of grievances ...

Jason Quick:

Miller shouted throughout the exchange, and McMillan mostly listened, but at times broke in with shouting of his own.

One of the topics discussed was an incident late in Tuesday's game with Memphis, when Miller told Jerryd Bayless to make his second free throw with 4.3 seconds left and the Blazers trailing by two. The coaching staff and team captain Brandon Roy told Bayless to miss the free throw so the Blazers could attempt to rebound and make a tying basket.

And Kevin Pritchard, who was in attendance for today's practice:

"I encourage open and honest dialogue, I think that is always good,'' Pritchard said. "I think it can be (healthy). We have the ability to take it one of two ways and I believe in the character of this team, and you know, I think we can come together.''

Pritchard said the exchange was "normal".

"On every team I have ever been on ... guys have opportunity to speak what they feel. That's OK. The question is, can we become better because of it. Either you can or you can't. I'm hoping we can.''

Brian T. Smith:

Miller loudly disagreed with McMillan, at one point stating, "I ain't going to take this (stuff)."

McMillan later fired back: "You don't play the way we want to play." (More from Smith)

However this exchange evolved, it was likely something that had been brewing for a while for Miller. Emotions run high in sports. Competition is the nature of the game. While Andre Miller may not display his emotions for the rest of us to see, he is undoubtedly a competitor. He wants to play and he wants to win. And there's no fault in that. McMillan, who labeled it as a "team discussion," encourages dialogue and communication from his players as much, if not more, than any coach in the league. Today, he got that communication from the free-agent acquisition.

Arguments happen in every sport on every level. This may not have been the first time this season it has happened and Miller may not be the first Blazer to voice his thoughts/opinions/ideas/displeasure with McMillan or Pritchard or another teammate. The only people who know that are in the Blazers locker room. What made this exchange different is how it carried from the far court (the practice facility has two courts, side by side) into the media room and the length of which it lasted.

.................

McMillan on today's practice:

"It was alright. We didn't have a lot of guys, we had a couple of guys that were out due to injuries and soreness ... so basically some 3-on-3."

"I'm not commenting on our talk with the team. It wasn't with Andre, it was with the team. We talked as a group."

"We had six guys that could practice today. We were limited with what we could do, so it was a short practice and I felt (it was) the time to talk to the group, so that's what it was about today."

"Andre's back is bothering him, so he couldn't practice, it was bothering him in the last game. Brandon had a hamstring, LaMarcus an ankle ... again, the conversation was with the team."

How would you assess his play this season?

"I think he's been doing some good things. He's had to play a lot of minutes here lately with Blake being out and he's been doing some good things."

McMillan said he believes Miller will play Friday against the Lakers and he believes his back began bothering him in the Clippers game.

Steve Blake was at practice Thursday but is listed as "doubtful" for Friday. Roy and Aldridge did not participate in Thursday's practice but McMillan said he expects both to play.

Any concern with Brandon Roy's minutes this season?

"Yeah, he's logging a lot of minutes ... mainly our guards, both he and Miller and Martell, LaMarcus. You know, we'll try to watch that, but it's difficult with the number of guys we have out."

Your team has been a good fourth quarter team this season, but in the last two games you've allowed some game-winning runs by the opponent. Are you concerned about that?

"Well, you've gotta make plays. That's the difference between winning and losing. We regained the lead in our last game and had it going down the stretch and lost it with missing some shots. We had some shots that, you know, when you get those shots you gotta knock those down. We had a turnover or two and a couple of calls that didn't go our way, and that happens. Like you said, we've been a team that executes down the stretch with leads ... and you gotta make shots. And when we do win, we make those shots."

Is there anything you can point your finger to, or just a combination of all those things?

"When you have shots, you gotta knock down those shots. You gotta get stops and we didn't do that. We didn't get free throws ... all the things you need to do to win. I don't think it was so much a lack of execution--maybe a set or two--but (when) we have open shots, we gotta knock those shots down."

I asked Kevin Pritchard about the status of both Nic Batum and Rudy Fernandez and when he thinks they might return.

"If I had to put a date on it, 7 to 10 days for Rudy ... third week of (January) for Nicolas. So they're getting back and it's good to seem them out here. It feels like we're becoming a team--at least in terms of numbers."

Both Rudy and Nic were at the PF today and working postpractice on shooting drills with the coaches. Pritchard also said Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla are taking their rehab "slow and steady" and will both make full recoveries in time for training camp later this year. Lastly, Pritchard said recent Blazers waivee Shavlik Randolph should clear waivers tonight and that Randolph is "still on our radar" for a 10-day contract.

Tony out, Eddie in, Lester claimed

ATLANTA — Bad and good news for current Celtic guards. And good news for a former Celtic backcourt man.

Tony Allen has flu-like symptoms and will not play tonight against the Hawks. He’s back at the hotel resting.

Eddie House flew in last night and is ready to go.

And Lester Hudson has been claimed off waivers by his hometown Memphis Grizzlies. That means the rest of his contract, with some $260,000 remaining, is guaranteed.

Bulls are 'a 30-32-win team'?

There is a notion, shared by many, that the Bulls have underachieved. General manager Gar Forman implied as much recently when he refused to give coach Vinny Del Negro a vote of confidence. But it's time to interject a hefty dose of realism into this discussion. Sometimes an outside perspective can be an eye-opener.

''The Bulls are not underachieving,'' ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy said. ''They are achieving to where they should be. Don't delude yourself that they are anything more than a 30-32-win team.''

After 33 games, the Bulls are percentage points behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and that sounds about right to Van Gundy, the former coach of the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.

''Anybody will tell you they achieved right where they should have last year [when they finished the regular season with a 41-41 record],'' he said. ''They were a .500 team. They almost did too well in the playoffs -- that set up unnatural expectations.''

Yep, in hindsight, the Bulls' gutsy playoff performance, in which they took the Boston Celtics to Game 7 in their first-round series, wasn't necessarily such a good thing. Many people got carried away and overlooked the fact that the Celtics were playing without Kevin Garnett. Then came the offseason, when the organization decided not to re-sign Ben Gordon. A team that loses its top scorer typically takes a step backward.

Losing Gordon was huge blow

''[Gordon] was explosive offensively,'' said Van Gundy, who incidentally has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Del Negro. ''He was irreplaceable, unless they did replace him, and they didn't. They are a 30-32-win team without him, and anybody expecting more is overstating their talent level. They are what they are, a mediocre team, because they lost their most irreplaceable player. Don't get me wrong, there is no one to blame for the decision to part ways with Gordon. I'm not saying the decision was wrong. It was a fiscal decision. Sometimes you have to have short-term pain for long-term gain.''

The Bulls' plan all along was to ride out this season and land a big-name free agent in the summer. Not that they ever stated this publicly -- not in so many words. But in allowing Gordon to leave via free agency, it was clear they were gearing up for next year and were content to let this year play out however it might. While there is no guarantee they will be able to land a premier free agent from the 2010 class, at least they had a plan in place.

That plan including Del Negro coaching the team at least through this season. What good could come from deviating from the plan? Although the team's recent improved play seems to have quelled the brouhaha for the time being, the word is out: Del Negro has become a lame duck.

It seems the organization responded to its unrealistic expectations by making the coach a scapegoat. Toward what end? To attach yet another interim label to another coach?

Let Vinny play out the string

Milwaukee Bucks general manager John Hammond, who hired former Bulls coach Scott Skiles, doesn't see an obvious upside in changing coaches midseason.

''I would think for the most part, things like this do not work,'' Hammond said. ''When changes of this kind are made, most of the time they come with an interim label, and lots of times that creates instability.''

Del Negro has received far more criticism than he deserves from fans and pundits. That his clock management and timeout plays have been a point of contention for some is almost laughable. The Bulls' issues are so much bigger.

But you would expect the organization to see beyond these trivialities. The reality of the situation is that the team simply isn't good enough. Although Derrick Rose seems to have regained his hops and the team clearly missed Tyrus Thomas -- or at least his big body -- when he was out with a broken arm, the Bulls' scoring struggles will continue until they acquire a scorer or two.

''There is too much emphasis put on coaches,'' said Indiana Pacers broadcaster Bobby ''Slick'' Leonard, a former player and coach. ''The emphasis should be on the players. The question is: Is the talent level enough to win? The guys on the floor have to do it. Doc Rivers won 24 games [in 2006-07] with the Celtics. Then he gets Kevin Garnett, and he wins the championship. So this stuff about blaming everything on the coach is a bunch of baloney.''

Whether the Bulls are a 30-win team, as Van Gundy suggested, or even a 45-win team, it's clear they will not sniff a championship without an infusion of talent. Didn't everyone know this heading into the season? Surely Forman, operations head John Paxson and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf knew. Didn't they?

Spurs' Ginobili to Pop: No more starts

Recalling what happened the last time the Spurs played the Mavericks, Spurs guard Manu Ginobili has a request of coach Gregg Popovich: Don't even think about putting me in the starting lineup.

It was in the Nov. 18 game in Dallas, his one and only start of the season, that Ginobili suffered a strained left groin. The injury cost him five games on the inactive list and limited minutes during the first few games after his return to action, on Nov. 29 against the 76ers.

“I guess that was my only start of the last few years, and probably the last start of my career,” Ginobili said after the Spurs' 112-92 victory over the Pistons on Wednesday night. “No doubt. No question.”

Nodding in the direction of second-year guard George Hill, who plays both guard positions, Ginobili avowed his preference to continue coming off the bench.

“Now,” he said, “I say to Pop: ‘No. Bring George. George starts.'”

Ginobili said the groin strain occurred on a routine play, as he pushed off on a first step on a drive to the basket.

“I remember I had the ball, and on my first step to the basket to penetrate it happened,” he said. “It wasn't like a big thing, but it started to get tight, tight, tight, and then I couldn't make lateral moves on the floor, so I said no more, let's not risk too much.”

Ginobili likes his role as a fourth-quarter finisher, and looks forward to tonight's game against a team that ranks as one of the Spurs' prime rivals.

“It's always an exciting game,” he said. “We've got a great rivalry going on that's been going on for some years. The whole atmosphere is nice, exciting. I really can't wait.”

All-Star stumping: For Tim Duncan, tonight's game represents a last chance to impress All-Star voters in a head-to-head matchup with the guy immediately ahead of him.

Duncan trails Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki for second place among Western Conference forwards by 49,905 votes. Denver's Carmelo Anthony is the leading vote-getter at the position.

If Duncan cannot catch Nowitzki by the time balloting ends Jan. 18, the Spurs forward will be relegated to reserve duty at the All-Star game for the first time since his rookie season.

BCS tactics: Spurs forward Antonio McDyess, who went to Alabama, said he planned to hunker down in his home to watch Thursday night's Texas-Alabama BCS championship game.

“People know I went to Alabama,” McDyess said. “I've been getting a lot of ribbing about the game, but I just have to keep my mouth shut.”

An expert diagnosis of what is ailing the Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy says his slumping team is "feeling sorry" for themselves. It could be worse.

They could be the dysfunctional Washington Wizards. The Wizards' last great franchise move might have come in 1997, when they changed their name from the "Bullets" as part of an, ahem, anti-violence campaign.

Not that these Wizards (11-22) --- the Magic's opponent tonight --- display any amazing brilliance, speaking of gunner Gilbert Arenas.

So it could be worse. The Magic are no longer under the radar, even though it appears they are working their way back to being undetectable by sonar after losing three consecutive games and four of their last six.

Everyone simply expects more now, especially after they declared they were all-in with an expensive offseason. Asked what's plaguing the Magic (24-11), J.J. Redick half-joked, "I think the main problem is everybody."

We take a look at what seems to be ailing them.

Vin-sanity…. or insanity?

Vince Carter's is giving doubters plenty of ammunition (blame Arenas for the poor puns) to criticize his acquisition.

He's not only shooting at a career-low 39.2 percent, but he's taken questionable shots --- and 172 more shots than Dwight Howard.

In the past four games, Carter is an alarming 10-of-47 and has made it to the line just 14 times.

Wednesday night against Toronto, Carter simply stopped shooting (seven shots), leaving coach Stan Van Gundy to find other crunch-time options. What to do?

Van Gundy can limit his touches and direct him to drive more --- or demand players stop deferring to him so much, right?

But Van Gundy tip-toed around a Carter question, saying he didn't want to "single out" players (anybody miss the old politically incorrect Stan?)

General Manager Otis Smith says his faith in Carter is unshakable. He reminds everyone that Carter has played less than half a season and it took Hedo Turkoglu a long time to blend with Howard and Co.

Offensive ills

The Magic's offense is sputtering and leaking oil.

It is built on the power of Howard and deadly 3-point shooters, a pick-your-poison philosophy. If unable to play off Howard consistently, the Magic become jump-shot-happy. Outcomes then depend on whether they have defensive energy to counter-punch.

"There's obviously some frustration offensively," Redick said. "Nobody is really shooting well and I think that affects our whole game."

Perhaps with Nelson returning from injury, another transition was in order. With four pure scorers in the lineup, the Magic have looked uncomfortable tailoring their games. Turnovers mount.

"We're thinking a little too much, not sure of ourselves at times," Nelson said.

With five new players and injuries, Redick says, "It hasn't been seamless. There hasn't been much flow to it."

Lately, Howard has been held in check because of foul trouble, turnovers, double-teams and his own limited arsenal, scoring 11 or fewer points four times in the last six games (with the Magic going 2-4).

He can overpower most centers, but has become predictable. When mediocre opponents can play him without double teams, they can better defend the 3-point line.

Weight of expectations

Howard has frequently talked of "expectations" weighing on the Magic; Redick labels them "unrealistic."

Well, welcome to life as a contender.

The Magic are coming off a surprise season in which they reached the NBA Finals against the L.A. Lakers.

With their slow starts and losses to sub .500 teams, you can make a case that they have struggled adjusting to the life-after part. They've often looked uninspired by the regular season and unprepared to be the hunted, caught up in their ascent.

"That definitely might be part of it," Redick said.

Thirty-five games in, Nelson conceded his team was "lifeless" and "shell-shocked" to be in their "funk" after losing to Toronto Wednesday.

Last season the Magic didn't lose their 11th game until winning 37 times. "It's a new year," Nelson said. "It's different. Things happen."

Smith says the swoon is part of a learning process that will "help us more than hurt us" at playoff time and preaches patience. "Has anybody ever won the championship in December?" he said.

Read Brian Schmitz' blog at OrlandoSentinel.com/Magic blog and e-mail him at orlandosentinel.com.

Grizzlies thriving on court — and at the ticket booth

It wasn't the steadily ringing phone that surprised Dennis O'Connor when he returned to work this week.

It was the requests of some of those callers that caught the Grizzlies' vice president of ticket sales and service off guard. More than two months into the season, O'Connor's staff found itself filling season tickets requests, at a prorated cost, for the remainder of the season.

That's the kind of excitement a red-hot Grizzlies team, which returns to FedExForum at 7 p.m. today to face Utah after a 3-1 road trip, has generated.

"We have sold more season tickets (so far) in January than we did all of December," O'Connor said. "Historically, we don't sell a lot of season tickets in-season. The last time we had a January like this was January 2004."

The Grizzlies hope those similarities continue, both on the court and at the box office.

That 2003-04 team was coming off a 28-win season and went into a Jan. 9, 2004, game against Seattle with a 17-17 record.

The Grizzlies entered this season on the heels of a 24-win campaign, and after a 1-8 start, head into tonight's contest at 17-17.

The 2003-04 team used an eight-game winning streak in January as its catalyst for a surprising 50-win season that led to the franchise's first playoff appearance.

Since their horrible start this year, the Grizzlies have put themselves in position to make another surprising run at the playoffs. That, in turn, has led to more bustle at the box office.

The team ranks last among the NBA's 30 teams, averaging 12,686 fans for its first 15 home games. The Grizzlies recognize that they still have work to do before that number increases dramatically. With win totals of 22, 22 and 24 following their string of three consecutive playoff appearances, the team's season-ticket base has eroded from a high of more than 11,000 when the FedExForum opened in 2004-05, to a figure the team admits is well below that, but refuses to reveal the actual number.

"When you had a season-ticket base of 11,000, you needed to sell 5,000-6,000 tickets to sell out," O'Connor said. "Now we're not close to 11,000 so we need to sell a lot more groups and a lot more walkups.

"You never want to rely on walkups, but unfortunately, the last couple of years we've had to. I think that trend is going to slowly diminish."

With the team posting a 9-4 mark in December, its attendance rose 20 percent from November, Grizzlies' president of business operations Greg Campbell said.

In their last home game, Dec. 28 against Washington, which was played on a Monday night after the University of Memphis played an afternoon game at FedExForum, the Grizzlies had their third-largest crowd of the season, 14,571.

"The crowds are really turning around," Campbell said. "I think as the team started to excel on the court, the fans started to realize it. ... I think the excitement they've created inside the arena has started to resonate out there in the public."

The Grizzlies are in the midst of planning single-game promotions, as well as a plan where fans can create their own ticket packages ranging from four to 20 games at a discounted price.

"We're looking now at exposing people to the product," O'Connor said. "I would love to think that everyone is going to come and buy season tickets now, which for us is the next 26 games. But people have other time commitments. We want them to come and sample our product.

"I think if you put a good, entertaining product on the floor, people are going to find a way to come. The knock on us has never been it's too expensive because we have $5 (per game) season tickets. The team hasn't been doing well and they haven't been enjoying coming to the games. Now it's changing."

With the Grizzlies returning home for five of their next six games, the players hope the fans help them continue their winning ways.

"Our home right here at 191 Beale, the crowd is really getting into it and showing us a lot of support," guard O.J. Mayo said. "People don't know that it helps a lot when you come home, you're tired from so many games, and the crowd a lot of times gets you through it with their energy. It gives us energy and gives us a big surge."

"We really appreciate it and look forward to coming back home."

Mental toughness key for Raps

PHILADELPHIA — The Raptors are justifiably feeling good about themselves, but at the same time they realize that being good simply isn’t good enough.

The team enters Friday’s very winnable tip against the Philadelphia 76ers having won seven of its past eight games to climb to the .500 level.

The Raptors survived a three-game stretch against Boston, San Antonio and Orlando by going 2-1.

Jose Calderon is back and healthy, and Andrea Bargnani is disproving his legion of doubters who felt the perimeter-happy power forward turned centre couldn’t defend the post.

As strong as they’ve looked at times, the Raptors acknowledge the work that lies ahead in cleaning up areas that will ultimately help define this team.

To a man, the Raptors know the schedule has been favourable.

“Our confidence is good right now," Hedo Turkoglu said. “It is still not where we need it to be, but we are .500 and looking forward to getting better.”

Mental toughness remains a concern, an area that is bound to improve once former 76ers power forward Reggie Evans is able to suit up in a regular-season game, which now seems more likely to be after next month’s all-star break.

While the game officials didn’t do them any favours against the Magic, the Raptors must find a way of not fouling with so much regularity.

Head coach Jay Triano is absolutely right when he says his team must find a way to defend without fouling.

Off night

When they beat the Magic 108-103 on Wednesday, the Raptors survived a fourth-quarter scare and overcame an off night from Chris Bosh, who normally carries the team.

Shortly after the final buzzer, Triano and Bosh shared a moment.

“Chris didn’t have one of his better games," Triano said of Bosh, who had as many turnovers as made shots from the field (six). “We survived that and I said that to him.”

It’s not often Bosh posts consecutive off-nights.

He’ll get matched up, in all likelihood, against Thaddeus Young tonight, a matchup that favours Bosh.

The Raptors should beat a Sixers team that is flawed and in search of an identity.

Then comes a home date against a Celtics team that has had Toronto’s number.

Much like Orlando, which won all three of its previous three season-series meetings, the Raptors are due.

“Obviously we’re improving because we’re winning games, but we know we have to get better,’’ Bargnani said.

“We’re not trying to be a good team. We’re trying to get to the level where we’re a very good team.”

Psychologically, having a winning record can only fuel the team’s building confidence.

“We know we are a better team than .500,: Bosh said. “We just have to get over that hump.”

Getting Calderon to play at a high level can only help Toronto’s chances.

“We’re playing much better," Calderon, who had eight assists and turned the ball over once in 25 minutes in his return on Wednesday, said. “We know we can win. We’re becoming a more confident team.”

It's almost bandwagon time

It’s getting close to bandwagon time for the Raptors. A couple of weeks ago when the club was at it’s low ebb, having been blown out yet again on the road and with a record of 11-17 the view here at From Deep – and elsewhere to be sure – was that the next month, a stretch of 12 games, would define the Raptors season. Days off were many, as were home dates. Winning opponents were few. And just to make it more interesting the Month That Matters kicked off with five games against losing opponents. I said an 8-4 record – 7-5 at worst – was the minimum the Raptors should be able to rack up if they had any intention of being team worthy of their fan’s respect, let alone the league’s or mine.

So far, so excellent. They swept their first five against the weaker thans. Came out a bit flat against Boston in what can only be described as a missed opportunity given the Celtics were without Garnett, Pierce and Rondo. But the win at home against San Antonio and again last night against Orlando obviously lends some weight to the idea that the Raptors are playing at a new level.

The schedule has turned in their favour, certainly, but there defensive improvement has been significant.

Before their 7-1 stretch the Raptors defensive rating – then 116.1/100 possessions – was the worst in the NBA by a margin. The next worse team in the NBA was Memphis who had a rating of 111.7. The league average was 106.7.

Flash forward a couple of weeks and the Raptors now have a defensive rating of 113.2. They’re still the worst defensive team in the NBA, but the gap is closing between them and the next worst team, which is now the Suns, with a rating of 111.2.

In the space of eight games Toronto has shaved the amount they trail the league average by 2.9 points. It may not sound like a lot but that’s a 31 per cent improvement in the space of two weeks.

And given their offensive rating has remained constant – 111.1/100, good for fifth in the NBA – their improved defence is obviously the main factor in their little run.

There is more meat on the bone here – anyone care to figure out the Raptors defensive rating for their past eight games? Or their past 16? – but it will have to do for now.

For those who want some deeper defensive stats Chris Black has some stuff here that is interesting, as usual.

Darko Milicic appears headed toward a buyout with New York Knicks

The Knicks and Darko Milicic could be headed toward a buyout.

Milicic, who has already stated that he plans to continue his career in Europe next season, was conspicuously missing from Thursday night's game against the Bobcats. The 7-footer has become such an afterthought that the Knicks did not even bother to reveal that he did not show up for work.

Milicic's agent, Marc Cornstein, confirmed that his client was missing due to "personal reasons" and said that Milicic would rejoin the team today.

Knicks president Donnie Walsh would not rule out the possibility that Milicic may not finish the season in New York but quickly added, "He practices hard and kept himself in shape.

"It's not like he's pulling some kind of rebellion or something. His agent hasn't asked me for trades. The only thing I heard Darko say is that he's going to Europe next year." Milicic last appeared in a game on Nov. 1.

TAKING AIM: Larry Hughes says that his former teammate, Gilbert Arenas, has to "suffer the consequences" for bringing guns into the Wizards locker room. On Wednesday, the NBA suspended Arenas indefinitely without pay.

"We all have to make smart decisions," Hughes said. "That's what it comes down to. I'm sure he understands the consequences of everything that is going on.

"He said in his statement he understands a course of action will be taken. He understands he messed up."

Hughes added that the idea of players bringing guns into the workplace is something you'll "probably never see ... again."- Isola

Wizards search for control

The gigantic Washington Wizards banner featuring Gilbert Arenas on the 6th Street NW side of Verizon Center came down Thursday, one more sign that the team is moving forward without the star guard following his indefinite suspension by NBA commissioner David Stern.

The Wizards (11-22) will take the court for the second time without Arenas on Friday against the Southeast Division-leading Orlando Magic (24-11). But in the fallout from the reported gun incident in the team locker room involving teammate Javaris Crittenton, Arenas' departure from the team could last much longer.

Crittenton was at the center of a Washington Post report Thursday that cited two eyewitnesses who said during the Dec. 21 dispute that Crittenton responded to Arenas -- who had put four guns next to Crittenton's locker -- by "brandishing his own firearm, loading the gun and chambering a round."

In the report, Crittenton said via text messages that the account was "false."

"We have no comment," said Crittenton's agent, Mark Bartelstein, when asked Thursday about the report and whether his client had been summoned to speak with law enforcement authorities. Bartelstein said previously that there was no wrongdoing on Crittenton's part. "Nothing's changed."

The Wizards said there was no truth to a TMZ.com report that video existed of the confrontation because there is no video surveillance of the locker room.

Eric Fleisher, who represents Wizards forward Andray Blatche and has been an NBA agent for more than 30 years, said players and their guns have long been a concern, but he doesn't believe there's a hidden epidemic of personal firearms on NBA property.

"This isn't anything new," said Fleisher. "But in terms of it being in the locker room, I haven't heard it before. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but I haven't heard it before."

Meanwhile, Arenas isn't allowed to practice or appear at games following his suspension, which was swiftly handed down after a stunt prior to Tuesday's game in Philadelphia, where he pretended to shoot his teammates with his hands. The other Wizards players who took part in the antics also were to be punished internally by the club.

The incident came on the heels of repeated flippant remarks by Arenas in the preceding days that appeared to disregard the seriousness of his case.

Stern used the power granted by a 2005 strengthening of the NBA collective bargaining agreement that made players who had guns on team property subject to league punishment before the completion of any criminal case.

In addition, the team may try to void the remainder of Arenas' six-year, $111 million contract. He will forfeit about $180,000 per game or $9.2 million should he be suspended for the remainder of the season.

The National Basketball Players Association, which could come to his defense should the team pursue that route, said in part on Wednesday: "At the conclusion of these investigations we will determine the appropriate action to take on Gilbert's behalf."

Bynum's chances grow with Gasol out

LOS ANGELES - Instead of taking umbrage at Andrew Bynum admitting that he's more focused with Pau Gasol out of the lineup, Lakers coach Phil Jackson defended his young center's approach.

Jackson insisted there's a better explanation for Bynum's production increasing so dramatically when he doesn't have to share the block with Gasol than just a lack of concentration.

"It's a matter of productivity," he said. "Who are they going to put on Pau? The biggest guy on the floor? No, they're going to put him on Drew because he's got the size. So for the most part Pau's going to have the advantage situation, so he's going to have more opportunities and he's probably going to be more productive in the post than Drew is."

The discrepancy between Bynum's scoring numbers with and without Gasol is staggering this season. Entering Wednesday's game, Bynum averaged 20.5 points in the 11 games in which he played and Gasol didn't, but his scoring average dipped to 12.5 in the 21 games in which they shared the floor.

That trend continued Wednesday night as Bynum again was the focal point down low against a Clippers team he torched for 42 points and 15 rebounds last January. Bynum scored eight first-quarter points despite frequent double teams, finishing with 15 points and 14 rebounds.

"I get a lot more touches on the block," Bynum said. "We get close to the basket. If they double me, I just kick it out and we swing the ball."

No GM Job in Future

Whatever Jackson's future holds when his contract expires after this season, it appears a general manager position will not be part of it.

Asked whether he could ever envision having both the coach and general manager's role as Mike Dunleavy has with the Clippers, Jackson said he has "no interest" in ever becoming a general manager.

"I don't want to deal with agents. I don't want to have to lie," Jackson said. "I don't want to throw out there like "lie," but you have to do some negotiating with truth a lot of times, and I don't want to do that."

So Jackson never has to negotiate the truth with his players?

"I tell them they're better than they are," he said, chuckling.

Gasol Pain-Free

Gasol had a pain-free session of stretching and therapy on Tuesday afternoon, another sign this hamstring strain is not as serious as his previous one, according to Jackson.

"If there's no pain that's significant or noticeable, that's a good sign," he said.

Jamal Crawford scores 18 as Hawks beat Celtics 93-85

ATLANTA — Jamal Crawford scored 18 points, including two crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Boston Celtics [team stats] for the second time this season, 93-85 Friday night.

Trailing 45-39 at the half, the Hawks dominated the third quarter and pushed their lead as high as 15 points. Boston fought back and pulled within two in the final period, but Crawford converted a four-point play after being knocked into the seats on a 3-pointer from the corner. Then, Atlanta’s valuable sixth man swished an even longer shot from behind the arc that sealed it with 52.5 seconds left.

All five Atlanta starters scored in double figures, including Mike Bibby with 17.

Paul Pierce [stats] scored 21 to lead the Celtics.

Scouting report: Celtics at Hawks

TONIGHT - 8, Philips Arena, Atlanta. TV - ESPN. Radio - WEEI-AM (850).

THE NUMBERS 3,866: Doc Rivers’ assists with the Hawks, the most in franchise history.

7: Consecutive regular season wins by the Celtics [team stats] over the Hawks before a 97-86 home loss on Nov. 13.

WHO’S HURT For the Celtics, Marquis Daniels (left thumb surgery) and Kevin Garnett (hyperextended right knee) are out. The Hawks report no injuries.

WHO’S HOT Kendrick Perkins [stats] has made 32-of-43 shots (74.4 percent) in the last six games.

WHO’S NOT Rajon Rondo [stats] made 9-of-12 shots from the floor vs. Miami, but two of the misses were on 3-pointers. He’s hit just 3-of-27 (11.1 percent) from beyond the arc this season.

BOTTOM LINE The Hawks beat New Jersey Wednesday to snap a four-game losing streak, but at 22-12, they’re just 3 games behind the Celtics in the conference standings. And Atlanta proved two months ago in Boston they are more than capable of standing up to the C’s. The Hawks’ athleticism could be a problem for the C’s, who have players out or not at 100 percent.

No job openings with Celtics either

ATLANTA - Danny Ainge has nothing up his sleeve with regard to the roster opening created when rookie Lester Hudson was waived Wednesday.

At least not at this moment.

Having seen in last season’s playoffs and this regular season how injuries can impact the team, the Celtics [team stats] director of basketball operations certainly wouldn’t be averse to adding another main rotation-quality player through a trade or a free agent signing.

But in terms of a job opening, beyond perhaps that for a faith healer, there is nothing posted on the board in the lunch room.

“Right now I don’t see any needs,” Ainge said as he boarded a flight on a scouting trip out West yesterday. “I mean, I feel like there’s always a need if you can get a better player than who you have, but there’s nothing with us that’s a glaring weakness. There’s not one specific need that we’re looking to fill.

“I just feel like we need to get healthy. If we’re healthy, then in some ways we may have too many players. There will be some tough decisions that will have to get made on minutes when we have everyone back. But things can always happen, so I think it’s important for us that we have this flexibility with our roster. I mean, there’s a good chance we don’t sign anybody, but it helps to have the ability to do it if something happens and you need to.”

The Celts do lack a traditional point guard behind Rajon Rondo [stats], but they’re growing a bit more comfortable with the idea of Tony Allen bringing the ball up the floor with hybrid Marquis Daniels out.

And those who think the team simply will activate assistant coach for player development Tyronn Lue shouldn’t hold their breath. There is an outside chance Lue could get a 10-day contract in a pinch down the line, but the club doesn’t believe he is an answer.

Ainge wouldn’t say much beyond the fact he’d be an “emergency” short-term replacement, but it’s important to note that Lue was brought in before training camp for a look, and the Celts decided to stay with Hudson.

Looking at potential changes, Ainge also acknowledged the chemical element. The current Celts are comfortable with and around one another, so alterations will not be taken lightly.

“Things like chemistry will absolutely be considered if we’re thinking of doing anything,” Ainge said. “If we’re looking at a player, it’s got to be someone who not only has talent but who can fit in on and off the court. He has to be able to play our style and his personality has to fit, too.”

Word yesterday was that Hudson is hoping to be claimed off waivers, which would guarantee the remainder of his contract (some $260,000 is left). If he clears, he can sign with any club or would enter the D-League pool.

Celtics notes

Eddie House should be back with the Celtics today after missing Wednesday’s win in Miami with the flu. He was trying to make it in last night, but bad weather in the area made air travel a bit uncertain.

House has hit a shooting skid, but coach Doc Rivers believes the cause is elsewhere.

“Since Marquis has gone down, Eddie’s numbers have gone down,” Rivers said. “Eddie needs Marquis to play so he can get shots. When Eddie’s being the point guard, he’s not as effective.”

Ex-Celtic Michael Smith faces theft charges

Los Angeles Clippers announcer and former Celtics [team stats] first-round pick Michael Smith has pleaded not guilty in Santa Ana, Calif., to stealing $735,000 from a golfing buddy in a failed development deal.

Smith and business partner Bruce Furst are charged with grand theft. They are accused of persuading a friend into using his home for collateral on a $735,000 loan to finance a Dana Point development deal. The market collapsed, the deal went sour and the victim is expected to lose his home.

Smith and Furst each face up to five years in prison if convicted. . . .

Former NBA star Jayson Williams apologized to police for “causing trouble” about 90 minutes after swerving into oncoming traffic and crashing his SUV into a tree, prosecutors said at the beleaguered ex-player’s arraignment on drunken driving charges in New York.

All bets are off: Nets ban gambling on team plane

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — All bets are off on the New Jersey Nets’ team plane.

A team spokesman confirms the Nets have decided to ban gambling on their flights, not long after it apparently led to the locker room incident involving Gilbert Arenas and his guns.

The ban was first reported by The New York Times [NYT], which said players were informed Wednesday. Team president Rod Thorn told the newspaper that the Nets have never had a problem with gambling, but "obviously, you can see what can happen."

An official who has been briefed on the investigation into the incident in Washington told The Associated Press the dispute between Arenas and Javaris Crittenton began during a card game on the team’s flight home from a West Coast trip on Dec. 19.

Knicks win 3rd in row

Chris Duhon made the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2:03 left, Danilo Gallinari followed with two more, and the Knicks pulled out a 97-93 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats last night in New York.

Wilson Chandler scored a season-high 27 points to lead the Knicks, who hit six 3-pointers in the final quarter and 12 overall. They also got a huge break when video review of Stephen Jackson’s long jumper agreed with the officials’ ruling of a 2-pointer, instead of a 3 that would have tied it with 1:43 to go.

David Lee had 22 points, and Gallinari finished with 17 for the Knicks, who have won three straight.

Jackson scored 26 points, and reserve Flip Murray 20 for the Bobcats, who had their three-game winning streak snapped.

New York couldn’t get its offense going against the team that allows the fewest points in the league the way it did Sunday against Indiana, when it rang up the biggest rout in the NBA this season with a 132-89 victory.

But the Knicks shot 53 percent from the field and rebounded from an awful start to the second half to split the four-game season series with the Bobcats, potentially an important tiebreaker if the teams finish with the same record.

Elsewhere in the NBA - The Washington Wizards plan to fine some players for participating in Gilbert Arenas’ on-court antics that made light of his gun troubles, an NBA official said.

The official said the team is reviewing details from Tuesday’s game at Philadelphia before determining who will be fined and how much.

Before the game, Arenas was surrounded by his teammates when he knelt on the court and pointed his index fingers at them, as if he were firing guns. A photograph shows nearly all the players laughing or smiling.

LeBron, Kobe keep the pace in a busy week

It's been a busy week here at the Race. LeBron carrying the Cavs. Kobe stumbling a little with the Lakers (but, maybe, with something big in store). Steve Nash being Steve Nash.

It's been a busy week in the NBA as a whole, too, with Gilbert Arenas' unsavory off-court incidents grabbing most of the headlines.

Here at the Race, though, we prefer to judge things by what happens between the lines. If these guys are good enough to win and play like they do, they're good enough to get my vote for an award. And they're good enough for the Race.

So, all those other headlines aside, here's this week's Race to the MVP. Where we try to stay between the lines.

1. LeBron James, Cavaliers

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
37	38.2	28.7	7.1	7.8	1.5	0.9	.505	.357	.781

Last Week's Rank - 1
James and Kobe Bryant were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month. What more proof do you need that they deserve to sit atop The Race? James led the East in scoring (28.6) and was second in assists (7.6), an indication of just how much he means to Cleveland's offense. On top of that, the Cavaliers were 14-3 in December. James also has two triple-doubles this year and four 40-point games.

2. Kobe Bryant, Lakers

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
35	38.7	30.0	5.5	4.7	2.0	0.3	.477	.321	.842

Last Week's Rank - 2
Bryant actually did not have the greatest week, turning in a 10-for-30, 33-point performance in a loss to the Clippers. 30 shots for 33 points? Not good. The Race predicts, however, that Bryant is about to go off, making up for the loss of Pau Gasol until Gasol's hamstring injury heals. In about a month, Bryant is set to become the Lakers' all-time leading scorer, if you can believe that.

3. Steve Nash, Suns

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
36	33.6	18.9	2.9	11.3	0.5	0.2	.543	.441	.942

Last Week's Rank - 4
We realize that the only way Nash is going to win the MVP is if Kobe and LeBron wreck into one another in their next game and are injured indefinitely. Having said that, Nash is playing breathtaking basketball. He is now shooting a career-high 54.3 percent from the field while averaging a career-high 18.9 points. If the guy could play above the rim, he'd be right there with the top two.

4. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
34	37.6	24.9	8.1	2.5	1.1	1.3	.476	.387	.884

Last Week's Rank - 7
The Big German rebounded from a difficult wake to post three consecutive strong games, the Mavericks' blowout loss to the Lakers notwithstanding. He is starting to pick up some bumps and bruises but at this stage of his career has learned how to play through them.

5. Brandon Roy, Blazers

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
36	39.0	22.9	4.7	5.1	1.0	0.1	.469	.343	.794

Last Week's Rank - 5
Somebody up in The Rose City needs to wake up. This guy is ninth in All-Star voting? Ninth? Really? Even playing with a sore hamstring, he went for 27 points and nine assists in his last game. He continues to carry a team that has been besieged by injuries, averaging career highs in points, rebounds and minutes played.

6. Kevin Durant, Thunder

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
35	39.9	28.4	6.9	3.0	1.5	0.9	.478	.318	.869

Last Week's Rank - 6
Here's all you need to know about Durant: The Thunder won 23 games last season and 20 the year before. It currently sits at 19 wins with a 19-16 record. Durant is averaging 28.4 points and 6.9 rebounds. Does any other proof need to be put forth?

7. Dwight Howard, Magic

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
35	34.6	16.8	13.3	1.5	1.1	2.5	.610	.000	.592

Last Week's Rank - 3
What is happening with the Magic? Three straight losses and four in their past six? Howard has been grabbing his rebounds -- seven straight games with double-digit boards – but his scoring has been down and Orlando has not been the dominant team that it has so often this year. A loss to Boston is understandable. But three in a row to Toronto, Indiana and Chicago? They need to figure it out.

8. Tim Duncan, Spurs

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
31	31.7	19.8	10.1	3.0	0.6	1.8	.550	.000	.764

Last Week's Rank - 10
Perhaps this is an indictment of the other candidates. Perhaps it is a nod to the steadiness of Duncan, the most enduring trait of his career – well, other than his bank shot. But Duncan moves up in the standings by doing nothing spectacular; he just keeps doing what he's does. Or, as the kids like to say, it is what it is.

9. Dwyane Wade, Heat

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
33	37.2	26.9	5.0	6.2	1.7	1.2	.443	.277	.765

Last Week's Rank - 8
Wade is shooting far worse than he has over the course of his career and his team has lost four of five and is on the verge of falling below .500. He is doing all he can to carry the Heat, but there is only so much one player can do. He needs help, though it doesn't look like it is going to come immediately from his existing teammates.

10. Joe Johnson, Hawks

G	MPG	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
34	37.2	21.5	5.1	4.9	1.1	0.0	.459	.352	.840

Last Week's Rank - N/A
A few weeks ago, I made a big deal of rookie Tyreke Evans averaging 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Look who else is very close to accomplishing the feat. What's more, Johnson's team has one of the best records in the Eastern Conference. Johnson sometimes has off nights, but while Carmelo is hurt and the Nuggets are struggling we'll show Johnson some love.