Nicollette Shops 'til Friend Drops!

TMZ caught the possibly-offed "Desperate Housewives" star walking down Robertson Blvd. yesterday with a few friends, when one of them suddenly went splat on the sidewalk -- a case of a pap getting a little too close.

After helping the woman get up, Nicollette told her that maybe one of the photogs would eat pavement too. Just seconds later, her wish came true!

Karma's a bitch!