--F Linas Kleiza got an opportunity to start twice when Carmelo Anthony was suspended for the first two games of the season. But Kleiza never could find his rhythm, and shot just 3-of-16 in the two games while averaging 5.0 points.

--G-F Dahntay Jones mainly plays for the Nuggets due to his defense. But the Nuggets have to like the way he's willing to drive to the basket. Attacking the rim Friday against the Clippers, Jones ended up shooting 11-of-12 from the foul line and scored 13 ponts.

--F Renaldo Balkman gave the Nuggets some energy in the second half of their season opener Wednesday at Utah, but didn't play Friday against at the Clippers. Nuggets coach George Karl said Balkman is still learning the offense after missing some time in the preseason due to an ankle injury.

--C Nene didn't mind that his good friend, former Nuggets center Marcus Camby, didn't play Friday. With the Clippers not at full strength in the post, Nene drove to the rim with regularity, scoring 22 points. And Nene, not known as a top rebounder, grabbed 11 boards.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G Chucky Atkins (right knee surgery) missed the entire preseason and was projected to be out at least six weeks following Sept. 24 surgery. While the six-week mark is Nov. 5, Atkins said he won't be back until one or two weeks after that.

--C Steven Hunter (right knee inflammation) missed the final six preseason games and is out to start the regular season. Hunter is undergoing treatment, and could return to practice as soon as Monday.

--F Sonny Weems (left groin strain) missed the entire preseason. It's uncertain when Weems, who was recovering from sports hernia surgery before suffering the groin strain, will be able to even take the floor for a full practice.