--F Renaldo Balkman started Saturday at Atlanta in place of PF Kenyon Martin, out for a week or two with a lower leg contusion. Balkman didn't even play due to a coach's decision in the first three games of the season. Balkman played just 11 minutes against the Hawks, totaling two points and one rebound.

--G Joey Graham started his first game of the season at shooting guard Saturday at Atlanta. Anthony Carter, normally a point guard, had started the first five games but wasn't really the answer. Graham might have started earlier had he not been bothered recently by a toe injury.

--C Chris Andersen, off to a slow start this season, was a rare bright spot in Denver's 125-100 loss Saturday at Atlanta. In 25 minutes, Andersen totaled six points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Entering Saturday, Andersen, who was second in the NBA in blocks last season, had only seven in Denver's first five games, never getting more than two in a game.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F Kenyon Martin suffered a lower left leg contusion in the first half Friday at Miami and sat out Saturday at Atlanta. Nuggets coach George Karl estimates he will miss one-to-two weeks.