Michael Jordan Asked Patrick Ewing About Coaching?

Has Michael Jordan talked with former Knicks legend Patrick Ewing about coaching the Bobcats? Were LeBron James' comments about the current NBA being "watered down" compared to yesteryear slightly inacurrate? Is Steve Nash fed up with the Suns after last night's rout at the hands of the 76ers?

I examine these questions and a couple more in today's edition of "NBA Rumors" at TSJ for December 31, 2010.

With the new year on the horizon it appears more and more likely that Carmelo Anthony might remain a Nugget until the very last second due to Denver's extreme new trade demands and according to various sources the Nets have soured a bit on a potential deal.

Do you blame them?

As far as LeBron's comments on contraction are concerned I can only assume now that he spoke out of turn and in a completely uneducated manner. I already came to this conclusion previously but I'm glad I'm not alone in my though process and the team at Sports Illustrated has done a fine job illustrating this point.

The column is definitely worth checking out and I'm going to provide a link to Zach Lowe's excellent piece on the matter via The Point Forward. CLICK HERE to read that piece.

Oh, and my opinon on MJ potentially hiring Ewing to coach the Bobcats? I'm surprised Ewing can even look Jordan in the eye, nevermind potentially coach for him, after being POSTERIZED LIKE THIS - such a good sport, that Patrick Ewing.

That being said he seems to be doing a fine job in Orlando so I wish him luck.

Here are a few rumors and news items that I found particular interesting this morning that we'll touch on below:

1. Patrick Ewing confirms he has spoken with Jordan about Bobcats coaching position
2. Was LeBron James terribly wrong about the 1980's?
3. Steve Nash apparently went ballistic during last night's loss to the 76ers
4. Have the Nets soured on a potential deal for Carmelo Anthony?
5. Could Tracy McGrady be the Pistons best playmaker this season?
6. Hakeem Olajuwon to open clothing line? You bet!

Garnett injures right calf; Rivers: "I don't think it's that serious."

Kevin Garnett left tonight's game with the Detroit Pistons after tweaking his right calf soaring for a dunk on a pick-and-roll with 2:38 left in the first quarter.

X-rays were negative and coach Doc Rivers said the injury is not believed to be serious. The Celtics lost, 104-92.

"Hopefully it's not a bad one," Rivers said of Garnett's injury. "I don't think it is. I don't think it's that serious, so I'm not that concerned. He's going to miss games probably. I don't know how many but I don't think it will be that long."

Garnett appeared to hurt leg on his way to the basket and he hung on the rim extra long to avoid landing on the floor. He knew it was bad when he fouled Tayshaun Prince and then began grimacing. Television replays showed he sustained the injury on the jump stop.

At halftime, a Celtics player indicated he didn't think the injury was as serious as it appeared but we will find out for sure tomorow.

Garnett walked to the bench under his own power and was heckled by Pistons fans. He then walked to the locker room escorted by trainer Ed Lacerte moments later. Piston team doctors arrived postgame to examine Garnett but he already had boarded the team bus and was walking under his own power.

It is the same leg that caused Garnett to miss the 2009 playoffs and hampered him all of last season. Garnett has played this season completely healthy and his production increased dramatically.

Today's Picks!

Atlanta Hawks - G.State Warriors - Over 200.5(1.93)

N.Orleans Hornets - L.A.Lakers - 2(1.64)
D.Granger(Indiana )- Over 20.5(1.85)
Phoenix Suns - Philadelphia 76ers - Over 205.5 (1.9)

Lebron James' Comments Offended Nets' Star Players

LeBron James may not know what "contraction" means, but his most recent ramblings - and obvious inference to a touchy subject - came off as offensive to the Nets while sparking a league-wide debate regarding the ongoing labor negotiations.

James unintentionally brought the issue to the forefront last week by saying the league would be better off with fewer franchises, singling out the Nets and Timberwolves as teams "that aren't that great" and candidates for contraction.

James used the word "shrink" in his unsolicited comments, but claimed Monday he was misinterpreted and didn't know what "contraction" meant.

That an NBA player wouldn't know the dreaded C-word - which would result in lost jobs on several levels across the league - was a surprise to Nets guard Devin Harris, who was singled out by James as a player who could help the NBA by playing elsewhere. Like most union members, Harris said he's against contraction.

The league is reportedly pushing contraction in its collective bargaining negotiations.

"For him to talk about us specifically, it was a little offensive," Harris said yesterday. "But from a business standpoint, to know what's best - we're still trying to figure this out.

"But I think he's of the mind-set of, 'Oh, let's team up everybody as stars and kind of duke it out, which, it kind of was like that in previous eras. But who is to say what's best for the league now?"

Harris' response was less confrontational than what Avery Johnson dished out. When asked Sunday about James' statements on contraction, the Nets coach took a shot at James' team, the Miami Heat, by saying, "I disagree. Maybe the league would be better off without three stars on one team."

Johnson backed off the subject before Monday's loss to the Magic.

"I'm not really interested (in talking about it anymore)," he said. "I like the league the way it is, and we'll keep moving from there."

James, who is buddies with Nets minority owner Jay-Z, also wants to keep the peace. He met with the Nets during the free agency process and, by all accounts, was impressed by the presentation.

"I didn't mean to upset anybody," he told reporters in Miami on Monday. "I didn't tell Avery Johnson to leave either. I didn't say 'Let's abandon the Nets, and not let them move to Brooklyn,' or 'Let's tear down the Target Center in Minnesota.' I never said that."

Despite their new multi-billionaire owner and their arena being built in Brooklyn, the Nets are an easy target because of their abysmal record (21-92) since the start of last season. They also haven't had a union representative since Joe Smith was traded to the Lakers on Dec. 15.

"I don't think contraction is a good thing," said 10th-year forward Troy Murphy, the Nets' most experienced player. "I think the NBA is a great thing, it's an honor to play in the NBA and I don't think we should contract."

With veterans on the team drying up and a CBA expiring, Harris, 28, said he's going to have to be more active in the union.

"Everybody has to be a little worried. Nobody wants a lockout," he said. "We know negotiations are going to be tough, so if guys say they weren't worried I think they'd be lying. I think everybody has to be a little bit worried."

(Single Bet)
S.A.Spurs  -L.A. Lakers- 2(2.35)


(Multi Bet)
T.Duncan (SAS)- Over 12.5(1.75)
Miami Heat - New York Knicks - Over 203.5(1.93)
Chicago Bulls - Milwaukee Bucks - 1H (--5.5) (1.6)
Denver Nuggets - Portland Trailblazers - (Denver-Over 106 (1.9)

"The Zen Master" Pleads For Patience

LA Lakers have now lost their last two fixtures, to Milwaukee and championship rivals Miami, but coach Phil Jackson does not feel there is cause for alarm just yet (LA Lakers 9/4 to win the NBA Championship).

The reigning champions have lost nine times this season and the Heat's comprehensive 96-80 victory over the Lakers last time out suggested there could be trouble ahead, but Jackson is adamant his side will be in the mix for the top prize at the end of the season (Miami Heat 2/1f to win the NBA Championship).

"Just be patient with us," said Jackson. "We'll get it back in order. We'll be fine. We'll measure this season and come out where we want to be, I think, at the end."

The Lakers face the Spurs in San Antonio on Tuesday and then travel to New Orleans to face the Hornets on Wednesday.

The Spurs currently have the best record in the Western Conference, with the Lakers joint third with Utah Jazz, and Jackson is well aware that both the Spurs and the Hornets will provide a massive test for his team.

He added: "San Antonio is playing extremely well right now in the season. That's a game we've been pointing at as a coaching staff for some time now, and then New Orleans on a back to back is going to be tough."

The Lakers endured a slow start last year but still emerged as the Championship winners at the end of the season.

With players such as Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant among their ranks the defending champions still have the talent at their disposal to enjoy another fruitful campaign despite their recent slump

Todays Tips!

(Single Bet)
Oklahoma City Thunder - Dallas Mavericks - 1 (1.7)

(Multi Bet)
G.State Warriors - Philadelphia 76ers - Over 204.5(1.9)
Minnesota T Wolves-N.Orleans Hornets - 1H(+6.5)(1.7)
Memphis Grizzlies -Toronto Raptors - 1H(-3.5)(1.6)

Christmas Day Predictions

Orlando Magic - Boston Celtics Under 192.5 (1.85)
L.A. Lakers - Miami Heat 1 (1.70) 

Bobcats making run at Baron Davis

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been so unhappy with the play of Baron Davis(notes) this season that he's been heckling the poor guy. 

Now Sterling may be sending the 12-year veteran back to Charlotte, where he spent his first three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets. Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski is hearing that Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan is working on a trade that would send DJ Augustin(notes),DeSagana Diop(notes) and Matt Carroll(notes) to the Clips in exchange for two-time All-Star Davis, who is averaging 8.4 points, 6.1 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game.

"The Clippers have desperately tried to trade Davis and have included him in proposals with centerChris Kaman(notes)," Wojnarowski notes.

The arrival of Paul Silas as interim coach of the Bobcats in replacement of the now-departed Larry Brown could be a plus for Davis since Silas is known to be much more of a "players' coach" than Brown.

Tip Of The Day!

Sacramento Kings - Milwaukee Bucks - 1(2.1)
       Povtorno igram na Sacramento koi razocaraa i prokockaa 4poeni prednost na 4sekundi do krajot za potoa vo prodolzenie da go zagubat posledniot natprevar.Definitivno moraat da se izvadat pred domasnata publika,na koja i dolzat mnogu i koja iako timot ima slabi rezultati e prisutna vo golem broj vo sekogas zvucnata Arco Arena. Milwaukee Bucks iako uspea da go iznenadi L.A.Lakers na gostinski teren mislam deka toa e rezultat na ne dovolnata angaziranost, lezernosta i ne seriozniot pristap na Ezerdziite.
Timot od Milwaukee ke bide oslaben so neigranjeto na mozebi prviot igrac B.Jennings koj e uspesno operiran(skocen zglob)i se ocekuva negovo vrakanje za 6-8 nedeli...,na seto ova ako se dodade deka ovoj tim e veke nedela dena na turneja na zpadot i zamorot bi rebalo da bide mozebi klucen faktor vo nivnata igra, taka da ocekuvam sigurna pobeda na Sacramento Kings...

Today's Picks!

N.Y. Knicks-Oklahoma City Thunder - 1(1.9)
  N.York po serijata od 12triumfi vo 13ntprevari gi zagubija poslednite tri natprevari,ovoj natprevar e sansa da se prekine nizata porazi. Amare Stoudemire e igracot koj mozebi ke bide vo centar na vnimanieto. Toj ima  fantasticen prosek vo karierata protiv Oklahoma od 29.7 poeni i bi trebalo da bide golema precka za gostinskiot tim koj e deficitaren na centarskite pozicii, koi vecerva ke bidat i bez uslugite na startniot centar N.Krstic.
Spored izjavite od trenerot i igracite ne ocekuva maksimalno seriozen pristap na domakinite koi sakaat so serija pozitivni rezultati da ja zatvorat ovaa godina.Sepak treba da se obrne vnimanie na K.Durant koj na poslednite dva natprevari so New York postignuva po 33poeni,a granicata vo kladdilnicite od 27.5 ocekuvam da ja nadmine i denes.Se na se ne ocekuva odlicen natprevar vo "Madison Square Garden" na koj tipuvam pobeda za domasnata ekipa...


Minnesota T Wolves-Utah Jazz- Over 207.5 (1.90)
L.A.Clippers - Houston Rockets - 2 (1.90)

Knicks Have Two Plan "B"s

The New York Knicks want Carmelo Anthony(notes) to be in its locker room when the trade deadline passes on Feb. 24. But if the team can't find a way to get that deal done with the Denver Nuggets, ESPN reports that the Knicks have two Plan Bs.

Whould  "Iggy" be a good  fit for the Knicks?

The site has it that if the Carmelo deal can't happen, the Knicks "may go after" Andre Iguodala(notes) of the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Sixers aren't anxious to be rid of Iguodala, the expiring contract of Eddy Curry(notes) and another player could help convince the struggling Sixers to change things up.

The other plan, ESPN reports, is to do a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers that would bring Anderson Varejao(notes) and Daniel Gibson(notes) to the Knicks.

With either plan, the Knicks are trying to figure out if those players are better than anybody they could get on the free-agent market next summer, the site reports.

Sacramento Kings-G.S.Warriors- 1(1.65)
    Sacramento e ekipa koja igra pod ocekuvanjata godinava iako mislam deka ovoj mlad i perspektiven tim ima kapacitet za i sila za podobri rezultati od momentalnive.Arco arenata od sekogas bila poznata kako eden od najzeskite tereni vo ligata kade domasniot tim sekogas moze da odigra i poveke od svoite moznosti.Mozebi godinava toa i na bas taka megutoa slabiot G.state ne bi terbalo da pretstavuva seriozna precka za domakinite osobeno sto od timot na gostite ke otsustva vtoriot strelec na timot S.Curry.site sme vo ocekuvanje na konecen blesok na T.evans(debitant na sezonata od lani),koj podpomognat od "rukito" DeMarcus Cousins( pred koj tvrdam deka pretstoi svetla idnina)treba da bidat glavnata dvizecka sila na sacramento na denesnkiot natprevar.Sacramento e vo serija od 4domasni triumfi nad G.state,serija koja ocekuvam da prodolzi i vecerva...


Sacramento Kings-G.State Warriors - Over 204.5(1.75)
Chicago Bulls-Philadelphia 76ers - Over 190.5(1.9)
Memphis Grizzlies -N.J.Nets - 1H(-4.5)(1.7)

Los Angeles Lakers-Milwaukee Bucks: Kobe Bryant, Shannon Brown Go Deer Hunting

The Los Angeles Lakers are back home as LA will face the Milwaukee Bucks in a game from the Staples Center on Tuesday night. Los Angeles enter the game having won 5 straight although for the most part, LA have not faced strong competition lately and they continue to play through a weak part of their schedule.

Milwaukee (10-16) are a middle of the pack type team so far in the NBA's Eastern Conference and they cannot be feeling too optimistic about beating the Lakers in a game from downtown Los Angeles. Milwaukee have lost 3 straight and they are a terribly weak road team this season as they sit at just 3-10 as visitors.

At this point the Lakers are 10-2 from the Staples Center and with Kobe Bryant averaging 25.9 points per game this season and with Pau Gasol averaging a double-double for points and boards the Lakers look good for the win on Tuesday. It can't really be called an important game but with the standings so tight in the Western Conference the contenders that take bad losses to weak teams at this point in the season are the ones who may have their work cut out for them later in the year while playing catch-up.

Game time is at 7:30pm PT (4:30pm ET) as part of a 6 game schedule in NBA on Tuesday.

Today's Tips!

S.A.Spurs-Phoenix Suns- 1H (-8.5) (1.75)
    Sparsi vo momentov se najdobrata ekipa vo ligata so 23 pobedi samo 3 porazi sto voedno pretstavuva najdobar start na sezonata vo klupskata istorija.Klucot na uspehot e toa sto mozebi po podolgo vreme nemaat problemi so povredi,a vakvi "zdravi" Sparsi sekako se i eden od kandidatite za titulata ovaa sezona.Timot e gladen za uspeh,posebno na domasen teren sekoja pobeda e bitna zasto vo prodolzenie na sezonata imaat znacitelno potezok raspored i pogolem del od sredbite gi igraat na gostinski teren.
Phoenix po zaminuvanjeto na Stoudemaire prodolzuvaat so promeni na timot koj momentalno e vo izgradba.
Novi igrac vo timot po trejdot so Orlando se M.Gortat,V.Carter i M.Pietrus(klubot go napustija Richardson , Turkoglu i Clark) koi docna popladnevo trebase da gi zavrsat medicinskite testovi pa nivnoto debi se ocekuva vo cetvrtok.Phoenix na vcerasniot natprevar zabeleza pobeda na gosti vo Oklahoma,sredba na koja nastapija so 7igraci i koja dopolnitelno gi istosti pred denesniot natprevar,a zgora na se I nivniot najdobar igrac Nash se zali na bolki vo vratot i iako se ocekuva da nastapi mislam deka bi bil malku limitiran vo svojot ucinok...
Vistinsko vreme za odmazda za play off eliminacijata od minatata godina...SREKNO!!!

Portland - Milwaukee Bucks - Milwaukee Under 91.5(1.9)
L.A. Clippers-Minnesota T Wolves - Over 210.5(1.8)
Atlanta Hawks - Orlando Magic- 1H (+4.5)(1.6)

Fantasy Impact Of The Latest NBA Trade

The Suns dealt Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, and Earl Clark to the Magic in exchange for Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, and Mickael Pietrus, along with a first-round pick in a trade that involves two former NBA Slam Dunk champions.

From a fantasy perspective the big winners are Vince Carter and Marcin Gortat. Vince Carter from the sense that he’ll now be playing alongside Steve Nash, who has historically made just about every teammate better. Gortat gets that same bump, but also should get more playing time, something he lacked playing behind Dwight Howard.

The biggest loser in the deal has to be Jason Richardson. He was the primary scoring option in Phoenix, and will now have to go to an offense that runs through Dwight Howard. Plus, if the rumored deal of Rashard Lewis for Gilbert Arenas goes through, J-Rich will have even fewer attempts.

Hedo Turkoglu returns to Orlando where he played exceptionally well before leaving for Toronto. Perhaps the return will restore his fantasy value, but he is a wildcard in this deal.

Mickael Pietrus will have the occasional solid game, like all Phoenix wing players tend to, but he won’t be a consistent option. Earl Clark likely won’t see an increase in value either.

Tip Of The Day!

Sacramento Kings - Houston Rockets  Over 202.5 (1.8)

Tip Of The Day!

Orlando Magic - Philadelphia 76ers - Over 187.5 pts (1.8)
(Unexpected Trades Occurred Before Tip Off)

Blake Griffin puts on a show at The Palace

AUBURN HILLS -- Sometimes you attend a game just so you can get a first-hand look at a special player on the opposition.

Blake Griffin is one of those players.

Friday night marked Griffin's first trip to the Palace, and it's the only time he'll be in town this season. He didn't need a second game to make a big impression.

Griffin finished the evening with 24 points (11-17 from the floor) and 17 rebounds in the Los Angeles Clippers 109-88 win. 

To put that into perspective, the Detroit Pistons' starting five finished with 29 and 15.

The second-year rookie (Griffin missed all of last season with an injury) also gave ESPN plenty of footage for the highlight reel. There were the seven thunderous dunks, many where you thought he might just shatter the backboard, but his most memorable play was a layup.

Griffin caught the ball along the baseline, and as he almost always does, drove hard to the rim. As he took off from the floor, he did a complete 360-degree spin in the air, drew the foul, and managed to lay it in with a gentle finger roll.

Needless to say, there was an audible sense of awe from the Palace crowd.

The Pistons tried to be physical with Griffin early, knocking him around with a couple hard fouls, including a two-handed Charlie Villanueva shove. But the tactic seemed to motivate far more than intimidate.

Griffin definitely has some weaknesses to his game. He is a poor foul shooter, his mid-range game is still lacking, and he doesn't seem to understand there's a time to slow it down. But it's hard to argue there is a more exciting player in the game right now.

If you only go to one Pistons home game next season, come and see the Clippers at the Palace. Griffin is worth the price of admission.

Todays Tips!

Philadelphia 76ers - L.A. Lakers - Over 195.5 (1.85)


  " Wells Fargo" centarot vo Philadelphia ispolnet do poslednoto mesto i se podobrata Philadelphia definitivno ke bidat golema precka za aktuelniot sampion L.A.Lakers koj vecerva e vo obid da ja zabelezi svojata treta pobeda vo serija na gostinski teren.licno mislam deka e natprevar koj treba da se izbegne pri tipuvanjeto na konecniot ishod,no zatoa granicata od 195.5 poeni mi izgleda dosta zanimlivo i ocekuvam lesno da bide nadminata.
 Philadelphia e vo izvonredna forma ima tri triumfi vo serija,i izgledaat kako seriozna ekipa osobeno na domasen teren.Vo poslednite 5natprevari vo Wells Fargo centarot(so isklucok na natprevarot so N.Orleans koj bese resen po 12min i ostatokot bese samo moznost za igracite od klupata da gi pokazat svoite moznosti),76ersi i poveke od lesno i ubedlivo ja nadminuvaa granicata od 100poeni,a toa pred se dolzi na atraktivnata igra,agresivnata odbrana i golemiot broj na lesni poeni od kontranapadite.Tokmu ovoj stil na igra mislam deka bi pretstavuval edinstven nacin da se izvlece pozitiven rezultat so Lakersi,bidejki ako si dozvolat da vlezat vo "half court game" na denesniot natprevar ke bidat "izedeni" od cvrstata odbrana na gostite.
Angazmanot na Doug Collins za trener na ekipata se pokaza za odlicna investicija bidejki stanuva zbor za eden golem trener izvonreden motivator i covek koj koj sozdava sopstven identitet vo sredinata vo koja raboti.Andre Iguodala se uste e lider na timot megutoa stanuva zbor za eden odlicno izbalansiran tim spoj na nekolku iskusni i mladi kosarkari na koi timskiot uspeh nad se,se javuva kako filozofija na igra.
   Za Lakers nema sto i poveke da se zbori,ednostavno se strasen kolektiv predvodeni od "Zen Majstorot" na klupata,Kobe Brayant najdobriot kosarkar na denesnicata i mozebi najtalentiraniot visok igrac vo ligata,spanecot Gasol...Vo prilog na seto ova da dodame deka Kobe e roden tokmu vo Philadelphia i koga i da gostuval tuka imal izvonreden ucinok, kakov sto treba da ocekuvame i vecerva.


Houston Rockets - Memphis Grizzlies - 1 (1.63)
N.Orleans Hornets - Utah Jazz 1H (+4.5) (1.6)
Oklahoma City Thunder -Sacramento Kings - Over  

(Special Bets)
K.Martin (Houston) - Over 22.5 (1.9)
L.James- Over 24.5 (1.9)


   Madison Square Garden e mestoto kade sto sekoj kosrkar ima posebni motivi za uspesen nastap zasto e svoeviden hram na kosarkata i kulten teren koj pretstavuval mesto za prestiz na mnogumina kosarkarski legendi vo istorijata. Posebni motivi vecerva ke ima i "kralot" L.James bidejki e edinstveniot igrac posle M.Jordan koj uspeal vo dva navrati da ja nadmine granicata od 50 poeni.
Se ocekuva i neprijatna atmosfera za Lebron koj gi izneveri fanovite na New York potpisuvajki 6godisen dogovor so golemiot rival od Miami, megutoa "Kralot"dokaza kako se snaoga vo takva atmosfera na gostuvanjeto vo Cleveland, pa ocekuvam deka istoto ke go povtori i vecerva...

Tip Of The Day!

New Jersey Nets - Washington Wizards - Under 194.5 (1.8)


    Mozebi i natprevar vo koj sigurno nema da se uziva vo ubava kosarka, megutoa granica koja nemoze da se propusti i koja e dosta visoko postavena na moe licno iznenaduvanje.
Kako da ne e dovolno sto se srekavaat dve od najslabite ekipi vo ligata, pa duri natprevarot ke bide osiromasen so otsustvo na nekolku bitni igraci od obata tima: New Jersey - A.Morrow (12.8pts) i Washington- J.Wall (1 pik) na ovogodinesniov draft(16.7pts) , A.Blatche (17.1pts) , J.Jianlian(6.7pts), fakti na koi ako dodademe deka N.Jersey po angazmanot za trener na" maliot general" A.Johnson igra daleku podisciplirana i defanzivno orientirana(i na momenti dosadna) kosarka, a i napagacki oslabeniot Washington se se sveduva na mal broj poeni na vecerasniot natprevar...Poslednite dva natpevari odigrani vo New Jersey pomegu ovie ekipi : 01.03.10. 85:89 , 30.01.10. 79:81 samo go potvrduvaat dosega iznesenoto..

Spurs Vs. Nuggets: Denver Tries For 11th Straight Home Victory, Puts Aside Melo Rumors

      

         Carmelo Anthony has worn just one team's uniform since being drafted third overall in 2003. At least for the time being, the three-time All-Star forward continues to don the powder blue and white of the Denver Nuggets.

With trade rumors continuing to swirl, Anthony and the Nuggets will try ignore the distractions Thursday as they go for their 11th straight victory at Pepsi Center in a matchup with the NBA-best San Antonio Spurs.

Since leading Syracuse to a national championship in his one season on campus, Anthony has been the cornerstone of a Nuggets franchise that has advanced to the postseason seven straight years after missing the playoffs in the eight seasons prior to his arrival.

Saying he wanted to keep his options open, Anthony declined a three-year, $65 million extension with the Nuggets in June. It has since been rumored that the Brooklyn-born free agent-to-be wants to go to either the Knicks or Nets.

While Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri said following Tuesday's 111-94 victory over Orlando that no trades were imminent and Anthony would know if he was getting dealt, rumors continue that Anthony will not be a Nugget when the February trade deadline passes.

Anthony denied a report last week that he had told Denver he would only accept a trade to the Knicks. More speculation surfaced Tuesday after the Nets acquired two more first-round picks in a three-team swap that could be used in a package deal for the Nuggets superstar.

"I've got a game here Thursday night against San Antonio and that's what I'm focused on," Anthony said Tuesday after scoring 35 points with 11 rebounds. "All that other stuff, I'm not even paying attention to right now."

Anthony, whose career scoring average against San Antonio (20.2) is his lowest against any team in the Western Conference, can't afford to get caught up in the rumors given the way the Spurs are playing.

San Antonio (21-3) makes its first of two visits to Denver this season after capping off a 6-0 homestand Wednesday with a 92-90 victory over Milwaukee.

Manu Ginobili hit the game-winning fallaway jumper over Luc Mbah a Moute as time expired.

"It was a tough shot," Ginobili told NBA.com after scoring a team-high 26 points. "He guarded me really well. ... I got lucky. I made the shot. We all celebrated."

The Spurs, who will return home for three games following Thursday's matchup, are 8-1 on the road, falling 90-85 to the Los Angeles Clippers in their last game away from AT&T Center on Dec. 1.

Denver has a league-best 45 home wins since the beginning of 2009-10 and is on the verge of its first 11-game winning streak at home since a 12-0 stretch March 16-April 19, 2005. However, San Antonio went 2-0 when visiting the Nuggets last season, winning by 19 points each time.

The Spurs won the most recent of those meetings 104-85 on April 10 behind Tim Duncan's 18 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony was ejected in the fourth quarter for arguing with officials.

Ty Lawson will likely start at point guard for the Nuggets in place of Chauncey Billups, who missed Tuesday's victory with a wrist injury.

San Antonio hosts Denver next Wednesday.