--G Arron Afflalo, acquired in July from Detroit, got his first start for the Nuggets at Chicago. Afflalo did not disappoint, scoring 10 points in 19 minutes. If Afflalo continues to play well, he could be Denver's regular starter at shooting guard, with J.R. Smith possibly continuing to come off the bench.

--G Anthony Carter is seeing his time cut, and that might not change. Carter, normally a point guard, started the first six games of the season at shooting guard and averaged nearly 22 minutes. But Carter has played just eight minutes in each of the past two games. Carter is losing minutes as the backup point guard with Ty Lawson playing more. And there will be less minutes now at shooting guard due to J.R. Smith having returned from a seven-game suspension.

--C Nene is expected to rebound more this season, and it is happening. After grabbing 12 rebounds Tuesday at Chicago, Nene is averaging 9.4 rebounds. His career high is 7.8 per game. Nene is nearly two years removed from having testicular cancer surgery in January 2008, and his health is no longer an issue.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F Kenyon Martin suffered a lower left leg contusion in the first half Friday at Miami and sat out Saturday at Atlanta. But he returned Tuesday at Chicago.