The Nuggets will be without four rotations players tonight against Houston, coach George Karl said today at shootaround.

Starting power forward Nene (heel), shooting guard Arron Afflalo (ankle, toe) and center Timofey Mozgov (ankle) are out, as is reserve forward Corey Brewer, whose father passed away today.

Karl said that in efforts to keep his bench rotation in tact — notably Al Harrington and Andre Miller playing together — he likely will start fan favorite Kenneth Faried at forward and rookie Julyan Stone at guard. Kosta Koufos will be Denver’s center.

The coach suggested that Nene and Afflalo could return for Wednesday’s home game (Denver plays Thursday at home, as well), while Mozgov will likely be out the whole week. There isn’t a timetable yet on Brewer’s return.

Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com

