Nene

Hilario

Nene sought to change his name because Brazilian athletes commonly are known by one name. His agent, Michael Coyne, said Sunday the change should be official in about two weeks.

Nene was unable to play last night. With Voshon Lenard out for the season, Denver dressed just 10 players. Nene is currently day-to-day, but if he doesn’t improve may have to go on the IL. Bad for the Nuggets, but from a fantasy perspective, good for owners of Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin.

Nene is coming back from a strained left hamstring.

“We’ll take it day by day and I’ll hear from [trainers] and Nene and see where we need to go,” coach Jeff Bzdelik said. Nene did not practice Monday.

Don’t activate Nene until he’s 100 percent and contributing.

Hilario missed Saturday’s game with a strained lower back.

Coach George Karl said the best-case scenario would be to get Nene back in the first week of March.

The Nuggets have already exercised an option that will pay the 6-foot-11, 260-pounder $3 million next season, but he could become a restricted free agent in 2006. Vandeweghe has no interest in letting go of the Brazillian big man.

''He’s not 100 percent and we’re exercising caution,’' coach Jeff Bzdelik said. Francisco Elson could receive another start.

Nene felt a ''pop’’ after a dunk and left practice. He’s listed as day-to-day and his status for Tuesday’s game is uncertain. Go another route this week if you need to make a lineup decision.