NBA commissioner David Stern said Sunday the league likely would play regular-season games in London before the British capital hosts the 2012 Olympics.

Stern, however, also said the possibility of taking meaningful games to Europe was nowhere near a done deal.

"Although we have no plans on the drawing board, it has been suggested to us that we should schedule in the next three years or so some regular-season games here -- more than just one -- on some regular basis," Stern said before the New Jersey Nets-Miami Heat preseason game at the O2 Arena in London. "It's fair to say that we'll see a minimum of one and possibly more regular-season games by 2012."

Stern sees the Olympics as a springboard to increasing the NBA's marketability in Britain, which is one of the richest countries in the world.

The NBA has a history of playing outside North America, including a regular-season game in Tokyo in 1991. But Stern has been hesitant to commit to anything specific in regards to Europe, while at the same time announcing a joint venture with Anschutz Entertainment Group on Sunday to build about a dozen or so NBA-style arenas in major Chinese cities.

China is one of the NBA's biggest overseas markets, and Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympics.

The NHL opened its season in London last year and then did so again this season with games in Prague, Czech Republic, and Stockholm, Sweden. The NFL also played a regular-season game in London last year, and the New Orleans Saints are scheduled to face the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 26 at Wembley Stadium.

Stern said he was aware of the success the other leagues were having.

"We pretty much keep our own counsel with respect to our agenda, although we always watch what everyone does and if we see a good idea we unabashedly copy it," he said.

But despite sounding positive about playing regular-season games in London, Stern downplayed the chances of having an NBA All-Star Game at the O2 Arena, which is hosting one of the four preseason games around Europe this year.

"It would take too many air buses and Boeing 747s to transport our 6,000 guests," Stern said. "We're in the basketball business, not the travel business."

SUNDAY'S RESULTS

EXHIBITION GAMES

NETS 94, HEAT 92: Vince Carter made three free throws in the final 10 seconds to help New Jersey hold on for the win over Miami in London.

Carter finished with 19 points, and Yi Jianlian added another 19 for the Nets (2-0) in a game that treated the London crowd to a number of high-flying dunks but even more sloppy turnovers.

Dwyane Wade had 18 points for the Heat (0-3), which hasn't won a preseason game since 2006. Miami went 0-7 in exhibition contests last year before posting the league's worst record (15-67).

76ERS 85, RAPTORS 79: Thaddeus Young scored 17 points, Andre Igoudala added 13, and visiting Philadelphia beat Toronto.

Philadelphia rookie Marreese Speights scored 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, and Louis Williams chipped in with 10 points for the 76ers (2-1).

Jason Kapono led Toronto with 14, and Will Solomon had 12. Andrea Bargnani and Anthony Parker also scored in double figures, netting 10 points each for the Raptors (2-1).

Elton Brand had 10 points and nine rebounds in 29 minutes for Philadelphia.

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