SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony has left to be with his family after the death of his sister, and is expected to return after Christmas.

The team said Wednesday night that Anthony’s sister, Michelle Anthony, died of a pre-existing medical condition Tuesday in Baltimore. She had four children.

Anthony missed the Nuggets’ game in San Antonio. Denver’s next game is Christmas Day at Oklahoma City.

Nuggets coach George Karl says the situation “brings us down to earth” and reminds his team that there are more important things than basketball.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)