A grand jury could soon decide whether the gun case involving Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton merits weapons and assault charges. Arenas met with police on Monday and released his official statement: “I took the unloaded guns out in a misguided effort to play a joke on a teammate,” said Arenas. “I never threatened or assaulted anyone…I now recognize that what I did was a mistake.

I should not have brought the guns to DC in the first place.” The question now seems to be not whether Arenas will be punished, but how severely. If Arenas is not prosecuted, he will be punished by the NBA. The league has a strict policy of not bringing any weapons to an NBA facility.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Denver: Carmelo Anthony (knee) and Chauncey Billups (groin) don’t sound likely to play on Tuesday, according to the Colorado Sports Desk. The report says “it is likely they will both get rest again before the high-key match up this Friday against Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.”

Los Angelas: Lakers PF Pau Gasol has a mild-to-moderate hamstring strain and is doubtful to play vs. Houston on Tuesday. The Los Angelas Lakers are smart to rest their injuryed players to ensure they’re healthy come playoff time.

Sacramento: Kins G/F Francisco Garcia practiced for a short while on Monday, his first action since breaking his wrist on October 9th. Garcia left to a round of applause from his teammates, but his return will likely drag on for quite some time.

Boston: Paul Pierce’s (knee) status for Wednesday’s game will likely be determined after Tuesday’s practice. He shot around on Monday but did not participate in any drills, and ESPNBoston reports that the Boston Celtics prepared as if he wouldn’t be available.

Orlando: As expected, Vince Carter practiced on Monday and expects to start Tuesday’s game vs. the Pacers. Orlando Magic practiced for 2 1/2 hours and both Carter and coach Stan Vandy reported that he was fine.

Washington: Mike Miller will definitely play vs. the Magic on Friday, according to coach Flip Saunders, and he could return even sooner.

Indiana: Stacy Paetz reported on the Pacers’ broadcast Sunday that Danny Granger’s workout prior to the game went well and he appears to be nearing a return. He reportedly went through extensive shooting and movement drills, and while no return date has been set, it sounds like he could play in the next 10 days or so.

Oakland: The Warriors have waived veteran C Mikki Moore, in order to clear a roster spot for rookie big man Chris Hunter. The league had granted Golden State a special roster exemption because of all their injuries, but Hunter’s contract would have been ineligible once it becomes guaranteed on Wednesday

Celtics G/F Paul Pierce revealed on Saturday that he underwent a second procedure on his right knee after the first one wasn’t effective in removing an infection just before Christmas.

There is still no timetable on his return, but it isn’t thought that the second procedure should keep him out much longer than the first one would have. “It’s getting better,” said Pierce. “I’m feeling pretty good. Right now it’s day-to-day. There’s no timetable on it.” However, it is interesting that the Boston organization has not commented on the second surgery.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Boston: Doc Rivers indicated Saturday that Kevin Garnett’s hyperextended right knee injury could keep him out 10 more days. The Boston Celtics are dealing with a plethora of injuries at the moment, so Rivers is likely going to be even more cautious with his stars than normal. A logical return date for Garnett might be the 13th of January.

Utah: Jazz PG Deron Williams will play for the Utah Jazz on Saturday, according to beat writer Ross Siler.

Toronto: Despite an earlier report in the Toronto Star, Hedo Turkoglu will now play on Saturday according to beat writer Doug Smith. Turkoglu is bothered by a sore knee and was originally ruled out. But in his pre-game live chat, Smith writes that Turkoglu will give it a shot tonight.

Indiana: T.J. Ford may have been bumped completely out of the Pacers’ rotation, according to a tweet from beat writer Mike Wells. Wells writes that Ford is now the third-string point guard, behind Earl Watson and rookie A.J. Price. We doubt this is a long-term move and our guess that making their best point guard irrelevant is not going to help them break their eight-game losing streak. If the Pacers cannot beat the lonely Wolves at home tonight, they have bigger problems to worry about.

Los Angelas: Los Angelas Lakers F Ron Artest worked out Saturday for a neurologist and a decision about his availablity won’t be made until Sunday. Artest is still suffering the effects of a concussion suffered in his home and has missed four straight games. He’ll be evaluated after Sunday’s shootaround, so its likely that he will play in a limited capacity.

Miami: Dwyane Wade had 29 points, 11 assists, three rebounds, two steals, a block, four 3-pointers and six turnovers in Saturday’s loss to the Bobcats. Things are only going to get worse for the Heat, who play 20 of their next 27 games on the road.

Charlotte: Stephen Jackson hit 11-of-20 shots and four 3-pointers on his way to a season-high 35 points to go along with eight rebounds and two steals as the Charlotte Bobcats overcame an early 19-point deficit to beat the Heat in Miami for just their second road win of the season.

Gilbert Arenas accused his teammates of having “hidden agendas” after Saturday’s loss, which dropped the Wizards to 3-9. Arenas mentioned that eight of his teammates will be free agents this summer. “I converted my game to try to get people involved, but at the end of the day, to be honest, this is the same team since three years ago,” he said. “Do I have to go in attack mode like I was two years ago to get us over this hump? I hope not…I think the only person who actually had to sacrifice is me. Everybody else can just play their game.” Is Arenas trying to be the team captain or does is he complaining about not scoring enough? It remains to be seen whether this diatribe awakens the Wizards or makes things even worse.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Houston: Houston Rockets swingman Tracy McGrady did not attend Saturday’s game or go through his customary pregame workout because of a sore back. Rather than have an MRI on Monday for his knee, it appears he’s having one Sunday for his back and his knee. It remains to be seen if McGrady will ever play in the NBA again.

Los Angelas: Lakers C Andrew Bynum (ankle) returned to action Sunday against the Thunder, scoring 25 points on 9-of-11 shooting (7-of-7 from the foul line) with nine rebounds, one steal and two blocks. Bynum only played 28 minutes because the Los Angelas Lakers had such a big lead.

Los Angelas: Lakers F Lamar Odom scored just two points in the Lakers’ blowout win over the Thunder on Sunday, and added five rebounds and two assists. Another victom of the Lakers great play: Odem only played 19 minutes due to the blowout.

Atlanta: Hawks PG Mike Bibby’s sprained left ankle is “very sore”, but he is still listed as “day-to-day” according to the Atlanta Hawks‘ team spokesperson. It appears that Bibby’s injury is not a high ankle sprain so he could see the court relatively quickly.

Oakland: Oakland Warriors G Stephen Curry is being more aggressive offensively according to assistant coach Keith Smart. “He’s coming down and taking a shot without worrying if he should have taken the shot,” said Smart. As expected, the trade of Stephen Jackson is opening things up for Curry, who is a nice, albeit risky buy low target right now.

Phoenix: Phoenix Suns PG Steve Nash scored 20 points on 7-of-8 shooting (including a three) with zero rebounds and nine assists in 28 minutes of action Sunday. Nash and the rest of the starters sat for most of the fourth quarter as the Suns were in the midst of a blowout.

Chris Douglas-Roberts set a career high for the second straight game with 31 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and a 3-pointer on 9-of-20 shooting as the Nets lost another game Wednesday to fall to 0-12 on the year. At least there has been one bright spot to the Nets season. It will be interesting to see how Douglas-Roberts production is impacted when Devin Harris returns from a groin injury.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Milwaukee: An MRI revealed Thursday that Milwaukee Bucks C Andrew Bogut has a left leg strain and contusion and both of the injuries are expected to cause the big man to miss the next 2-to-4 weeks. Back up C Dan Gadzuric is expected to start in Bogut’s absence, but expect Hakim Warrick, Carlos Delfino and even Kurt Thomas to see increased playing time.

Cleveland: Cavs SF Lebron James (wrist) is listed as probable for Friday’s game against the Pacers.
James hurt his wrist in Wednesday’s game, but X-rays were negative and he’s on the injury list mainly as a precaution. Hopefully James can suit it up on Friday because Shaquille O’Neal will likely miss another game.

Los Angelas: Lakers PF Pau Gasol (hamstring) will make his season debut Thursday against the Bulls. Gasol likely is not 100% and may not play a lot of minutes, but he was an integral part of the Los Angelas Lakers championship run. His return will put Lamar Odom back on the bench and is also likely to affect Andrew Bynum’s touches in the low post.

New York: News that signing Allen Iverson may force the Knicks to move another player simultaneously could make this deal take several days to get done. Iverson clears waivers at 6 p.m. Thursday, but signing him may involve moving another player – perhaps Chris Duhon – which will slow the process considerably. After indicating Wednesday that the Knicks would likely make Iverson an offer, on Thursday GM Donnie Walsh said that no decision had been reached, and one might not come soon

Oakland: Ronny Turiaf (knee) still has no time table for when he anticipates a return to the Warrior lineup.
“I really can’t tell you (when I might return),” Turiaf said, “…my stability is not there”. If he’s burning a hole in your lineup, cut him. He sounds nowhere near ready to return.

Sacramento: Paul Westphal commented on the status of Andres Nocioni saying that he is “a little more likely to play” but is still “questionable to doubtful”. This isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement by Westphal. If we were to bet money, we’d say look elsewhere Friday.

Memphis G Allen Iverson will be waived by the Grizzlies on Monday after the two sides have agreed to terminate his contract. Iverson is expected to be placed on waivers by 6 p.m. ET Monday, a league source said. Iverson will only get a fraction of the $3 million he was scheduled to earn and will become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday night if he clears waivers. There is no chance that a team would be wiling to claim Iverson off waivers, however Knicks president Donnie Walsh confirmed that the team will look into the possibility of signing Allen Iverson, who was waived by the Grizzlies on Monday.

“Right now I’d say probably not, but we’ll see,” said Walsh. This might be a perfect meeting of desperate parties — Iverson needs to prove he deserves to start and the Knicks need to improve their franchise-worst 1-10 record. If A.I. comes to New York it could be bad news for the playing time of Nate Robinson, Toney Douglas, Larry Hughes and Chris Duhon.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Charlotte: In his Bobcat debut on Monday, Stephen Jackson had 13 points on 4-of-14 shooting, one 3-pointer, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and four turnovers. He played 45 minutes. Even though he just arrived in Charlotte Bobcat, Jackson appears to be the best the team has on offense.

Charlotte: Bobcats G Flip Murray matched his career-high with 31 points against the Magic on Monday, making 13-of-21 field goals. The streaky reserve guard added two 3-pointers and two steals in 34 minutes of action. His success limited Raymond Felton to 22 minutes, a scenario we don’t see repeated on a nightly basis, but he’s worth a speculative pickup.

Los Angelas: Lakers forward Luke Walton has a pinched nerve in his back and will be out at least six weeks. Walton was a glue-guy in the Lakers’ lineup, and without him the Los Angelas Lakers need to ask more from Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic, Adam Morrison, and Josh Powell.

Los Angelas: Lakers F/C Pau Gasol was limited in in Monday’s practice, but is now targeting a return to action on Thursday against the Bulls. He participated in both half and full-court scrimmages, on a limited basis, and said he felt good afterward. By no means is he a guarantee to play this week, but it does sound like there’s a chance

Milwaukee: Bucs G Michael Redd (strained knee) might be able to practice on Tuesday, but coach Scott Skiles isn’t convinced he’ll play on Wednesday or Friday. “He’s been out long enough now that we need to get him in some contact,” Skiles said. “It’s hard to do right now, because now all of a sudden we’ve got a lot of games in a lot of days.” It’s not surprising that the Milwaukee Bucks are taking it slow with their injured star, but at least he hasn’t had any setbacks

ESPN’s Mark Jackson reported Wednesday that Phil Jackson was kidding when he said that Paul Gasol could be out until Christmas. Jackson also said that Pau is day-to-day, but won’t play Thursday. That’s all well and good, but the reports we’ve seen indicate that Gasol is not likely to play for the next two weeks.

Elsewhere around the NBA:

Cleveland: Cleveland Cavaliers SF LeBron James says he will no longer discuss the summer of 2010 and his pending free agency. Apparently the “do you want to play with Dwyane Wade in Miami?” questions pushed him over the edge. “I think I owe it to my teammates, I owe it to myself,” he said. “It’s just getting old. I’m focusing on this season.”

Cleveland: Cavs G Delonte West will not play on Wednesday and is on the inactive list.
He apparently missed a team flight on Tuesday, which probably has a lot to do with his absence tonight. West is going to probably be more of a headache than he’s worth to fantasy owners this season.

Detroit: Detroit Pistons PF Charlie Villanueva scored a season-high 30 to go along with two 3-pointers, four rebounds, two steals and a block. Villanueva hit 13-of-17 shots and outscored the Bobcats 18-12 in the second quarter. He’s averaging 19 ppg over his last six and is starting to get comfortable with his new team.

Portland: A healthy Blazers C Greg Oden had 18 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and a block on 8-of-10 shooting in a dominant win over the Timberwolves. Oden played just three quarters and dominated Al Jefferson, who is obviously far from full strength after knee surgery. Jefferson had just 14 points and six rebounds against Oden, and is averaging just six boards per game.

New Jersey: Nets C Brook Lopez had 23 points, 14 boards, a steal and a block in another loss on Wednesday. The New Jersey Nets have yet to win a game, but Lopez is an early season bright spot on what appears to be a bad team.

San Antonio: As expected, Spurs PF Tim Duncan and PG Tony Parker are not playing for the Spurs on Wednesday due to ankle injuries. DeJuan Blair and George Hill are starting in their place. Both Duncan and Parker did come out and loosen up before the game and are possibilities to play on Saturday. We’re guessing both could have played tonight, but Gregg Popovich is going to save them as much as he can for the playoffs.

Los Angelas: Los Angelas Lakers C Andrew Bynum will play Thursday and will not be on a minutes count.
He could play as many as 35 against the Suns, and the Lakers have to hope he stays healthy now that Pau Gasol is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury.