--C Nene's passing game has improved noticeably this season. Nene averaged just 1.4 assists last season, but his average this season is 2.3 after handing out five Tuesday against Toronto. The Nuggets have several big-time offensive threats. The Nuggets want Nene to look for those threats rather than force shots.

--G Ty Lawson has been raved about all season for his play, but Lawson is a rookie and sometimes it shows. In 23 minutes Tuesday against Toronto, Lawson did have six assists. But he had three turnovers and shot just 1-of-3 for four points. With guard Anthony Carter out because of a hip injury, Lawson has been Denver's only reserve point guard behind Chauncey Billups the last two games.

--G Joey Graham was facing his former team Tuesday at the Pepsi Center. Although Nuggets coach George Karl said he often likes to use players against their former teams, he didn't want to disrupt the rotation. Graham played only the final five minutes of Denver's 130-112 rout, scoring four points.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G Anthony Carter (left hip strain) sat out his second straight game Tuesday against Toronto. But Carter said he plans to return to practice Wednesday and play Friday on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers.