"While the results during the Nuggets' losing streak have been the same, the starting lineups haven't.

Saturday night against the Pacers, coach George Karl used his sixth different starting lineup in the last six games. Corey Brewer returned after missing three games because of his father's death, and Kosta Koufos filled in for the injured Timofey Mozgov. The Pacers, meanwhile, have started the same five players in all but one game this season.

"If you're changing the lineup because you're not playing well, it's one thing. But if you're changing the lineup because you have to, it's another thing. We're just forced to because of our injury situation," Karl said. "It's probably going to be that way until Timo gets back into the lineup, and then we'll become more consistent."

Mozgov has been out since injuring his ankle Feb. 3 against the Lakers. Karl said he expects the big man to play Tuesday against Phoenix.

The absences of Brewer, Mozgov and Danilo Gallinari coincided with a dip in defensive intensity for the Nuggets, and that's not surprising to Karl."