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DENVER (AP) -- The Denver Nuggets are finally opening their season against the NBA's defending champions.

Monday's game against the Mavericks starts at 6:30 p.m. Mountain in Dallas.

The Nuggets realize they will be overlooked this season. They don't have a bona fide star or a household name on the roster. The closest thing they have is Danilo Gallinari, who averaged 14.7 points after arriving in Denver following the Carmelo Anthony trade.

But coach George Karl insisted having one is merely a luxury and not a mandate. To him, the Mavericks proved that point in winning the NBA title last season. They had one focal point and a reliable complement of players.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)