CAVS (27-8) 94, NEW JERSEY NETS (3-30) 86
at Izod Center
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
RADIO: WTAM (1100 AM)

GUNS AND ROSES: Cavs forward LeBron James was quizzed by a New York reporter about the Gilbert Arenas situation. He understandably didn't want to comment about the possible gun standoff Arenas reportedly had with a Wizards teammate.

"I can’t (comment on it)," James said after Saturday's game in New Jersey. "I wasn’t there. It’s a very serious matter."

He was asked if players should be able to own guns. One player said as many as 75 percent of all NBA players own guns.

"I’m not sure," James said. "I don’t know enough about the whole Gilbert Arenas thing."

He was asked if he carries a gun, but he didn't answer the question.

"Most of the time you do it to protect your family," James said. "A lot of it depends on what kind of celebrity status you have and what kind of security you might need. I live in Akron, Ohio, which is my home town. I don’t travel with security. One thing I do is make sure my family is always safe."

Sources say he doesn't carry a weapon. However, the Cavs have a full-time security person with them at all times. He is probably packing heat.

WHAT HAPPENED: The Nets' starting five is quite good. The problem is when they go to the bench. They played very well for most of the game on Saturday before the Cavs pulled away.

The Cavs outscored them, 25-18, in the third quarter, which might have been the difference.

NOTES: F/C Anderson Varejao recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

-- This is only the third game the Nets have had their starting lineup intact since Oct. 30.

-- The Nets have dropped their last six games to the Cavs.

-- James had two chasedown blocks on the day. "It can deflate certain teams, especially when they get a run-out and I’m able to erase that," he said. "For me to do the things I’m able to do can really help our team."

-- Of course, James can't come to the New York/New Jersey area without being asked about free agency. "I’m too focused on what’s happening with our team and trying to win an NBA championship," he said.

DEBUNKING RUMORS
-- The Nike (I Love New York) shoes that have been all over the Internet are fake. Nike sent out an email saying they were fake.
-- Also, Cavs center Shaquille O'Neal didn't purchase a Rolls Royce Phantom for James' birthday. He was just pulling everyone's leg.

PROJECTED STARTERS
SF LeBron James vs. Chris Douglas-Roberts
PF J.J. Hickson vs. Yi Jianlian
C Shaquille O'Neal vs. Brook Lopez
SG Anthony Parker vs. Courtney Lee
PG Mo Williams vs. Devin Harris
INACTIVES
Cavs - Leon Powe, Coby Karl, Daniel Green
Nets - Jarvis Hayes, Eduardo Najera, Sean Williams
OFFICIALS
Scott Foster, Derrick Collins, Brian Forte