NBA Roundup: Sage Advice From The Files Of Ron Artest

Notes on Tuesday's games in the National Basketball Association ...

• Ask Captain Ron. So it turns out that all this time, the 76ers' Allen Iverson was biding his time until he got feedback from the most trusted source of advice in the NBA. "Just go out and play the game," said the Kings' Ron Artest on Tuesday, discussing Iverson's situation. "In my case, I wanted to be traded, but at the same time, I wanted to play, and play to win." So, we're still a bit confused. Should Iverson play, or not? And does he really have a choice? "He'll be all right. It's just something that happens," Artest said. This is getting us nowhere, so let's look at Tuesday's games.

• Who Needs Iverson When You Have Matt Barnes? Former Sacramento King Matt Barnes scored a career-high 32 points to lead the Warriors over the Kings 126-113. But what of rumors that Iverson is coming to Golden State? Warriors coach Don Nelson explained it all: "I just don't go there. You can't win by going there."

• Sneak Rocket Attack. Down to the Lakers by 27 points early in the fourth quarter, the Rockets came back to within two — yikes — before LA finally prevailed 102-94. Enjoyable moment when Kobe Bryant was pulled early in the fourth, began icing his knees, and then was asked to go back in when the score got close. Oops! The Lakers lost Lamar Odom to a sprained knee in the first quarter, and he could be out a month.

• My Name Is Earl. Earl Boykins took time off from representing the Lollipop Guild to score 19 points — nine in the fourth quarter — to lead the rampaging Nuggets over the Hawks 100-87.