SALT LAKE CITY — Three star players could miss tonight’s huge Nuggets-Jazz game, including two who wear powder blue.
Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups (groin) definitely won’t play and Carmelo Anthony (knee contusion) is likely out, according to the team’s trainer. For Utah, its sensational point guard Deron Williams (stomach flu) is a game-time decision, as is sharpshooter Kyle Korver (knee), who has had a couple big games against Denver over the years.
Who Denver starts at point guard will be based on Anthony’s availability, coach George Karl said at the team’s Saturday shoot-around. If Anthony is out, then J.R. Smith will likely start at small forward and Anthony Carter at point (because Karl likes Smith on the court with Carter more than Karl likes Smith with Ty Lawson).
But if Anthony is able to play, the rookie Lawson will start at point guard in this big Northwest Division matchup.
