Nuggets' Martin and Carter miss game vs. Portland

DENVER (AP) -The Denver Nuggets were without starting forward Kenyon Martin and backup point guard Anthony Carter for their crucial game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.

Both Martin (lower back strain) and Carter (left hip strain) are day to day.

Martin was replaced in the lineup by Johan Petro, and the Nuggets activated Jason Hart, who was claimed off waivers from the Clippers this week to be their third point guard behind Chauncey Billups and Carter.

Nuggets coach George Karl said Martin's back tightens and spasms after games, and "rest might be the only cure."