MILWAUKEE — Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin plans to play tonight against the Boston Celtics after sitting out Sunday because of back spasms.

He wanted to play against Milwaukee but decided to sit out when his back did not loosen up in pregame warm-ups.

Denver could use Martin, particularly if center Nene sits out because of a bruised left knee.

"I was leaning toward (playing tonight) anyway," Martin said.

CAUSE AND EFFECT

With the Nuggets banged up in the frontcourt, it could determine whether they pursue a guard or a big man as an insurance policy.

Denver still was showing interest in 7-foot free agent Mikki Moore on Sunday, while coach George Karl also had talked with representatives for point guard Sam Cassell.

"I know Sam says he has 47 teams who want him," Karl said. "I say, Sam, there's only 30 teams in the league."

ATTACK OF BIRDZILLA, BALKMAN

Chris Andersen and Renaldo Balkman did an admirable job filling in for Martin, combining for 16 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots.

Andersen, though, lamented the fact he dropped several passes in the paint that could have made a difference in a three-point loss.

"I didn't do as much as I should have," he said. "I missed a lot of crucial passes. It was tough."

Balkman, who got the start in place of Martin, scored 10 points in only 17 minutes.

"Renaldo was very good in the second half," Karl said. "I should have had the courage to play him a little bit more."