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Quick update on tonight's game: Tyreke Evans will not play, as the Kings rookie is now dealing with a sore right ankle that is related to his previously-bruised left hip. He overcompensated while dealing with the hip and is now experiencing discomfort in the ankle. He said at this morning's shoot-a-round that he expects to be ready for Wednesday's game.
Beno Udrih will start, followed by the usual suspects (Kevin Martin, Donte' Greene, Jason Thompson, Spencer Hawes). Denver's Carmelo Anthony - as mentioned in story links below - will play. As for how the Kings handle this challenge that was daunting even before losing Evans, we present coach Paul Westphal.
From The Bee
'Jason Thompson has King-size growing pains,' By Ailene Voisin
From The Denver Post
'Nuggets' Martin scores 27 in Melo's absence to lead 103-89 road win against the Spurs,' By Chris Dempsey
'Nuggets coach Karl says Anthony will try to play tonight,' By Chris Dempsey
GAMEPLAN
Kings (16-30) at Nuggets (32-15)
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Pepsi Center, Denver.
TV: CSNCA.
Radio: KHTK (1140 AM), KAHI (950 AM).
Kings update: The trip to Denver comes at the most inopportune time. The Kings, who have lost eight of the past 10, continue to labor offensively. They have failed to score 100 points in 11 of the previous 12 games. The Kings have defeated the Nuggets twice at Arco Arena this season, but a win on the road will be much more difficult. Tyreke Evans sat out most of the second half of Saturday's loss with a sore left hip but is expected to play.
Nuggets update: George Karl may not have obtained that desired new contract, but his club is on a roll. Even with Carmelo Anthony sitting out the previous four games, the Nuggets were 12-3 in January, won nine of their past 10, and are coming off a road rout of San Antonio. J.R. Smith averaged 17.5 points during Anthony's absence. Unfortunately for the Kings, 'Melo is due back tonight.
Probable starters
KINGS
No. Player Pos.
13 Tyreke Evans PG
23 Kevin Martin SG
34 Donté Greene SF
34 Jason Thompson PF
31 Spencer Hawes C
NUGGETS
1 Chauncey Billups PG
6 Arron Afflalo SG
4 Kenyon Martin PF
15 Carmelo Anthony SF
31 Nene C - Ailene Voisin
