Forward Danilo Gallinari, who leads Denver with 17.2 points per game, was ruled out with a sinus infection. Guard Andre Iguodala, third on the team at 13.4 points per game, had a strained neck.
Corey Brewer started in place of Gallinari, while rookie Evan Fournier took over for Iguodala.
The Nuggets were also without forward Wilson Chandler, sidelined by a sore groin.
Gallinari, Iguodala and Chandler all played in Sunday's triple overtime loss at Boston. That defeat snapped Denver's nine-game winning streak, its longest in nearly eight years.
All three could return Wednesday at Brooklyn, Denver's last game before the All-Star break. The Nuggets don't play again until hosting Boston on Feb. 19.
