Utah Jazz: Nuggets will play Jazz without Billups

SALT LAKE CITY — Some potentially unsettling pre-gametime news for the Utah Jazz.

The Denver Nuggets just announced that All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups will not play in tonight's Northwest Division showdown.

Billups sprained his right ankle during his career-high 39-point performance in the Nuggets' 126-113 blowout win over the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center on Friday night. He continued to play in that game but will be unavailable for action tonight and is considered day-to-day.

The Nuggets will also be without All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony (sprained left ankle).

That's where the potentially unsettling part comes in. Utah lost at home 105-95 against Denver on Jan. 2 with Billups and Anthony sidelined with injuries.

Meanwhile, the Jazz are healthier than they've been for a while. Carlos Boozer (strained right calf) will start after missing three games while nursing his injury.

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