Friday, January 8, 2010

Billups to return vs. Cavs, but Anthony doubtful

DENVER (AP) -- Chauncey Billups will be back on the court for the injury-riddled Denver Nuggets against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but Carmelo Anthony remains doubtbful.

Billups said his strained left groin has healed enough to play Friday night. The All-Star guard has missed eight of the last nine games.

Anthony has sat out the last three games with a bruised right knee.

Anthony said after the team's morning shootaround that he won't rush back to face LeBron James, something he might have done earlier in his career. He said "my health is more important right now."

But Anthony wouldn't completely rule himself out of the game Friday, leaving a window open.

Chris Andersen, Ty Lawson and Nene remain game-time decisions with sprained ankles.