National Basketball Association

Nuggets set for 'Melo circus in New Jersey

Published Jan. 31, 2011 12:14 a.m. ET

foxsports

Carmelo Anthony is heading to New Jersey - with the Denver Nuggets.

Anthony and the Nuggets make a visit Monday to New Jersey for the first time since Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov ended the drawn-out trade talks with Denver.

Coach George Karl says he doesn't know how the fans will react to Anthony when he hits the court. Karl, speaking before Sunday's game against the 76ers, expects a playoff atmosphere for Anthony's arrival.

''I expect it to be a pregame intensity to the game, and then I'm sure there will be some antics during the game that will have to be understood and handled,'' Karl said. ''I would say for most of the time, those things usually motivate my team to play more focused and serious. If we have to play an intense playoff-type style game against a team like New Jersey, I think we're capable of doing that.''

Anthony has been the subject of trade talk since refusing to sign a three-year, $65 million extension last summer. Two potential blockbuster trades with the New Jersey Nets have fallen apart.

Prokhorov canceled a planned Jan. 20 meeting with Anthony, ending any chance for now of a three-team deal between the Nets, Nuggets and Detroit Pistons. Prokhorov tired of the talks, saying he was unhappy with how it played out in public, that it took too long, got too expensive and cost his team games.

Anthony did not talk to the media before Sunday's game. He was whistled for a technical foul at the end of the first half against Philadelphia for throwing his headband into the stands.

Karl says he's proud of the way the Nuggets have handled the Anthony trade circus.

''We laugh about it, we joke about it,'' Karl said. ''In general, it has not had a big effect on our basketball.''