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Nuggets face Thunder minus 'Melo

Dec 25, 2010 - 3:50 PM (Sports Network) - The Denver Nuggets will hit the hardwood in Oklahoma City on Christmas Day with heavy hearts.

The Nuggets will be without star forward Carmelo Anthony for the second straight game following the death of his sister. Anthony made the trip with his teammates to San Antonio for Wednesday's opener of a brief two-game road trip but left after receiving word that his sister, Michelle Anthony, died of a pre-existing medical condition in Baltimore.

The Nuggets, who lost to the Spurs 109-103, do not expect Anthony back in the lineup until after Christmas.

"It brings us down to earth," Denver coach George Karl said. "Basketball isn't the most important thing."

On the floor, Gary Neal scored 10 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter to help San Antonio top Denver. Nene finished with 13 points and Arron Afflalo scored 12 with 10 rebounds for Denver.

Ty Lawson and J.R. Smith, starting in place of Anthony, both scored 22 and Chauncey Billups finished with 20 points for the Nuggets, who have alternated wins and losses in its last seven contests.

Power forward Kenyon Martin made his season debut after missing the first 26 games while recovering from knee surgery and netted eight points and five boards in 17 minutes for Denver, which is 1-2 this year without 'Melo.

"They shot the hell out of the ball," said Karl. "I'm not sure the shots were defended, they didn't give up and we didn't get out there quick enough."

The Thunder, who are kicking off a four-game homestand tonight, finished a quick two-game road trip in losing fashion on Wednesday in New York when Amare Stoudemire scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds as the Knicks downed Oklahoma City, 112-98, at Madison Square Garden.

Kevin Durant poured in 26 points with seven rebounds and Russell Westbrook chipped in with 23 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Thunder, who have dropped two of three and made just 39.2 percent of their shots in defeat.

"We gave up three-pointers, fast breaks, it's that simple," said Durant. "They got easy baskets and if you give up easy baskets to a team than it's going to be tough to win. It's a tough loss and you just to keep working hard."

Oklahoma City, which is 10-5 at home, will also face Dallas, New Jersey and Atlanta on its residency.

The Nuggets have won 11 of the last 13 meetings in the series but Anthony has been the key to that success, averaging a gaudy 29.6 against the Oklahoma City franchise since the 2005-06 campaign.