--F Carmelo Anthony returned Sunday at New York after missing three games due to a right elbow contusion. Before Anthony took a seat, his rebounding was affected by his injury. Anthony was averaging 1.7 rebounds in his previous three games, which had dropped his seasonal average to 7.4. But Anthony, feeling better after his week of rest, was able to get nine rebounds against the Knicks.

--F Linas Kleiza continues to be on fire. He's hit 17-of-29 three-pointers in the past eight games. The only question Sunday at New York was why he didn't shoot more than one three-pointer. Kleiza made his only attempt. The Nuggets need Kleiza's hot shooting to keep defenses honest since he can make them pay if teams decide to double-team Carmelo Anthony.

--F Chris Andersen did not play due to a coach's decision for the first time this season Sunday at New York. Nuggets coach George Karl said he elected to go with Renaldo Balkman as his first big man off the bench because he had a feeling Balkman might play well against his old team and he also wanted a power forward able to guard perimeter players. Andersen, nearly all season, has come into games before Balkman. Karl figured Andersen would return to play Monday at Atlanta.

--G Anthony Carter has been turnover-prone of late. Carter has committed 13 turnovers in his past four games while averaging just 21 minutes. Overall, Carter has been solid this season as the backup point guard to Chauncey Billups, but the Nuggets need him to be a more low-risk player. Sunday at New York, when Carter had four turnovers, he at least was able to make two steals.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Steven Hunter (right knee surgery) hasn't played since the first preseason game. He underwent surgery Nov. 14, and will be out until at least mid-February.