(Sports Network) - The Northwest Division-leading Denver Nuggets continue a three-game homestand Tuesday when they welcome the Toronto Raptors into the Pepsi Center.

The Nuggets, who are tied with Portland atop the Northwest, won the opener of the homestand and their second straight game on Sunday when Chauncey Billups scored 28 points -- including 24 in the second half -- and dished out 10 assists to lead Denver to a 104-94 victory over the shorthanded Houston Rockets.

Houston was without Tracy McGrady (knee) and Brent Barry (calf) for the second consecutive game. Denver had its own injury problems, however, as Carmelo Anthony left after the first half with a right elbow contusion.

J.R. Smith drained 5-of-9 three-pointers en route to 19 points on the night -- including 13 in the second quarter for Denver, which has won four of five. Nene had 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Kenyon Martin tallied 15 points in the win, Denver's eighth in 10 games.

Anthony is probable for tonight's game as the Nuggets try and improve their impressive 6-2 record as the host.

Denver, which will finish its residency against San Antonio on Thursday, is also a gaudy 11-3 since acquiring Billups in the deal that sent Allen Iverson to Detroit.

The Raptors lost the opener of a three-game road swing Sunday when Los Angeles' Pau Gasol led the way with 24 points as the Lakers blitzed Toronto, 112-99, at Staples Center.

Anthony Parker led a balanced attack with 19 points for the Raptors, whose two-game win streak came to an end despite all starters scoring in double figures.

Andrea Bargnani posted 14 points with a game-best 11 rebounds and Jose Calderon chipped in 12 points with a game-high 12 assists.

On the injury front for the Raptors, star power forward Jermaine O'Neal is questionable with a strained left knee/sprained left ankle.

Toronto, which is 4-4 on the road and will finish its trek in Utah on Friday, has lost four straight at Pepsi Center.