What does a first-place NBA team do during a quirky scheduling break in the middle of the season?

Chill out, first. Zone in, second.

After three games in 75 hours, Nuggets coach George Karl gave his team the day off Wednesday as part of a four-day layoff leading to a Sunday showdown against Northwest Division rival Utah.

When the Nuggets report to practice today, they can expect to work on implementing a zone defense that could help offset a shoulder injury to guard Dahntay Jones and protect big men Nene and Kenyon Martin from foul trouble.

"I don't know exactly where we'll go with it," Karl said.

Martin, a tough one-on-one defender, would be happy to see the zone remain in the practice gym.

"I don't like it," he said. "I don't agree with zones, but if (Karl) wants to, I'm a team player. I just don't like to (play zone)."