MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The wake-up caller at the Memphis Westin had an easy Tuesday morning.
The Nuggets did not have a morning shootaround after an exhausting Monday spent mostly at the airport. The Nuggets were supposed to arrive in Memphis, Tenn., around 4 p.m., but plane issues kept the Nuggets from departing Denver until about 9 p.m., with the team arriving at the hotel around midnight. Coach George Karl said he discussed a shootaround with Chauncey Billups and Kenyon Martin and decided not to have one.
Besides, Karl suggested, with Lionel Hollins in his first game as Memphis’ coach, Denver didn’t know how to prepare for the offensive setups of the Grizzlies.
After the game, Karl said: “They ran some stuff that was different that they ran all year, and they’ll figure out some offense to get them in a better flow.”
Denver usually holds a morning shootaround on game days, but not before the second game of a back-to-back. In other words — no shootaround today, either.
On schedule.
Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony (broken hand) is on this trip, working out with coaches and the strength staff in preparation for his return Friday at home against Charlotte
“I believe I’ll be back Friday,” he said. “I don’t think the doctor (on Thursday) will tell me I won’t be back, especially after all the stuff that I’ve done. He’s aware of it.”
Thursday — the same day he will seek a doctor’s clearance — will also be the day Anthony finds out whether he’s an all-star, when reserves are announced.
Rare bird.
In reference to his hairdo, spiked in the middle like a mohawk, Nuggets center Chris “The Birdman” Andersen said his ‘do should be called “The Raging Rooster.”
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
Denver at New Orleans
6 p.m. tonight, ALT, KCKK 1510 AM
Spotlight on Chris Paul: The guy is at it again. In his last game, the all-star point guard again flirted with a quad-ruple-double, finishing with 27 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds and seven steals in the Hornets’ win over Philadelphia. He’ll need a similar effort tonight, with center Tyson Chandler (ankle) out and forward David West (back) doubtful. Asked how you contain him, Nuggets coach George Karl deadpanned, “Go to church.”
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
