New Jersey at Detroit (8 p.m. EST). A rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals, swept by the Nets.

SHOUTING TOO LOUD

Minnesota swingman Latrell Sprewell was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Wednesday for cursing at Knicks chairman James Dolan and screaming at the team's bench during the Timberwolves' 98-92 win Tuesday night. Sprewell scored 31 points in his return to Madison Square Garden.

SUSPENDED

Sacramento forward Peja Stojakovic was suspended for one game by the NBA on Wednesday for making improper contact with a game official. Stojakovic, who scored a career-high 41 points in the Kings' 114-97 victory over Memphis on Tuesday night, brushed official Bernie Fryer with 1:17 remaining in the second period and received a technical foul. Stojakovic will miss the Kings' game Christmas Day against Dallas.

SCORING

Philadelphia guard Allen Iverson, who finished third in last year's league scoring race, sits atop the NBA scoring leaders as of the Christmas break at 28.9 points per game. Orlando guard Tracy McGrady, last year's scoring champion, is third this season at 24.6 ppg, with Sacramento forward Peja Stojakovic second at 24.9.

LEADERS

Minnesota forward Kevin Garnett is leading the NBA with 13.8 rebounds per game after finishing second to Detroit's Ben Wallace last season. San Antonio forward Tim Duncan (12.9) is just ahead of Wallace for second with 12.8 per game. ... New Jersey's Jason Kidd again leads NBA players in assists at 9.4, up from 8.9 last season.

BANGED-UP NUGGETS

Denver rookie forward Carmelo Anthony could miss Friday's game against Houston because of a strained right toe that has bothered him for a week and a half. Center Marcus Camby is also uncertain because of a lower back strain. Power forward Nene has a sprained left thumb but should be ready to play.

SPEAKING

``All the little games he's been playing this year, I let him do the talking earlier. I'm just glad I could do the talking now.'' _ Minnesota's Latrell Sprewell, on the man who traded him, Knicks chairman James Dolan. Sprewell scored 31 points in a victorious return to Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.