"It's an NBA lockout-shortened year. It's also a leap year. And so, in 29 February days, the Nuggets have 15 February games on their rapid-fire schedule. Guess how many opponents are under .500.

Two.

Throw in the Nuggets' constant injury situation and, as coach George Karl said, "in February, if we just win our home games, we'll go into March in a good place."

The Nuggets have a rare home back-to-back set Wednesday against the defending champs from Dallas and Thursday against Golden State, one of the sub-.500 teams. Phoenix, on Feb. 14, is the other."