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Nuggets coach George Karl was confident today that all-star Carmelo Anthony would play in Wednesday's 8:30 p.m. matchup against Phoenix at Pepsi Center. Anthony has a left ankle sprain that has kept him out the past five games, but the small forward came to Pepsi Center Tuesday for treatment and a court workout. The Nuggets didn't have an official practice.

"If we can continue to play with a rhythm and team-ness and bring him back to the mold quickly, it gives you anther weapon that they have to cover," Karl said. "I don't know if he can play 35-40 minutes. We'll have to evaluate that as the game goes on."

Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups also has a left ankle sprain, but not as sever, and the point guard is probable for the Suns game.

Heading into all-star break, the first-place Nuggets have a doozy of a schedule, playing the Suns, Lakers, Jazz, Mavericks and Spurs.

MHZ wrote:Nice.

Steve Nash has been playing through some injuries for Phoenix. This is a game that would really sting to not get, especially considering the team ends the week @ LA on Friday and @ Utah on Saturday. This becomes that much more important.

Odds Melo sits in this one and returns for the Lakers game?

MHZ wrote:I hate playing teams like the Suns, Warriors, or Knicks. Shootout and zero defense teams. We get caught up in the shootout nature against those teams, and the games are always close.

Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony did not participate in today's morning shootaround and is a game-time decision for tonight's contest against the Suns at the Pepsi Center.

"I'd say when he comes in tonight we'll see how it goes," coach George Karl said.

Instead of attending the walk-through with the rest of the team on the main Pepsi Center court, Anthony worked with trainer Steve Hess on the Nuggets' practice court, and received treatment afterward. He did not speak with assembled media.