On the radio yesterday, Jazz broadcaster David Locke asked me to tell him which eight teams would make the playoffs in the West, and in what order.

Amare Stoudemire had 20 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 109-97 victory over Denver squad missing Carmelo Anthony on Wednesday night.

Chauncey Billups will be in the Denver Nuggets’ lineup against the Phoenix Suns but Carmelo Anthony’s status is a game-time decision.

Nuggets All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony missed his fifth consecutive game on Monday night against the Sacramento Kings because of a sprained left ankle.

By John Hollinger SAN ANTONIO—Sometimes one can’t appreciate a player with subtle skills until circumstances push him to the forefront. The recent play of the Denver Nuggets provides a good example

By John Hollinger SAN ANTONIO—Sometimes one can’t appreciate a player with subtle skills until circumstances push him to the forefront. The recent play of the Denver Nuggets provides a good example. With league-leading scorer Carmelo Anthony sidelined by an ankle injury, one would think the Nuggets would struggle mightily.

By Marc Stein The NBA’s trade deadline is now only three Thursdays away. Which naturally calls for some fresh dribbles of trade chatter from various team executives and league insiders: The Blazers have indeed registered their interest in Washington center Brendan Haywood, given Haywood’s obvious appeal as a short-term replacement – with an expiring $6 million contract – for the fallen Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla

Garrett W.

By Chris Broussard Ever since J.R.

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets are talking about a possible punishment for sulking guard J.R. Smith, whose behavior has rubbed management the wrong way.