The new-look Nuggets visit, with Chauncey Billups in tow. Though Denver lost handily in San Antonio Thursday, the team is much improved since the trade … though a lot of improvement comes up front, where Nene has been stout and Kenyon Martin a spark.

Sacramento's starters will get a break on the perimeter: Billups will shoot threes, but Dahntay Jones, Carmelo Anthony and the bigs will stay inside 17 feet or so. But off the bench, J.R. Smith and Linas Kleiza will be gunnin'. If Kevin Martin starts, Bobby Jackson's going to have his hands full chasing Smith.

The Kings have been piss-poor at drawing fouls this season … after finishing #1 in the league in FT/FG last season. Martin should attack frequently. Jones, as you'll remember, is a strong defender. But Denver is Douby-thin up front behind Nene and K-Mart I, with only Chris "The Birdman" Andersen offering relief. Nene has kept out of foul trouble well this year, but historically he's been prone to hack. K-Mart I comes with the added issue of a testy temperment — let a bad call or two ruin his night and Denver's front line.

Still, Billups should be able to score at will, Salmons doesn't figure to handle 'Melo as Ron Artest did, and no one on the Kings (save maybe Shelden Williams) can stop a rolling Nene. Denver's got a decided advantage, but there exists a path to success for the Kings.

Game's at 7. Let's go Kings.