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Nuggets host Suns at Pepsi Center

Jan 11, 2011 - 3:50 PM (Sports Network) - With trade rumors swirling in the Rocky Mountains, the Denver Nuggets will try to remain focused tonight as they resume a four-game homestand versus the Phoenix Suns at the Pepsi Center.

It has been reported that Nuggets stars Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups could be on the move to the New Jersey Nets, but that remains all speculation right now. Anthony, a three-time All-Star, has already turned down a pair of extension offers with the Nuggets with the intent of playing closer to his home of Brooklyn, NY.

With that as the backdrop Denver lost the opener of the residency and its third straight game overall on Sunday when Chris Paul scored 20 points and dished out six assists, as the New Orleans Hornets took down the Nuggets.

Anthony struggled from the field, making just 3-of-11 shots en route to eight points. Billups went 2-of-12 from the field and ended with 13 points for Denver.

"We're just frustrated right now," Anthony told NBA.com. "I know I am after these two losses against two teams that we should have beat. Tonight was an embarrassing loss that's all I have to say about it."

The Suns, meanwhile, snapped a three-game skid on Sunday by salvaging the finale of a three-game homestand when Steve Nash notched his 19th double- double of the season with 20 points and 17 assists, as Phoenix topped the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers, 108-100.

Jared Dudley finished with 21 points and Vince Carter added 19 points for the Suns, who played most of the game without Grant Hill. The veteran swingman suffered a mild knee sprain in the opening minutes of the first quarter and did not return.

"We just needed to find a way to win a game," Nash said. "It was hard for us. I don't know if we played our best, we played hard and we found a way to scrap and win and sometimes that's what you got to do."

Hill is listed as doubtful for tonight's contest.

Denver snapped a four-game losing streak against Phoenix by taking a 138-133 track meet in the Rockies on Nov. 28, and the Suns have dropped six of their past seven games in Denver overall.