The Nuggets are down two starters for their crucial stretch run, as forward Wilson Chandler is nursing a nasal fracture sustained when he took an elbow in Friday’s win over Oklahoma City.
Denver is already without Gary Harris, its second-leading scorer (17.7 points per game, 39.9 percent from 3-point range) and top perimeter defender (1.8 steals per game), who is likely to miss at least another week with a right knee injury. Though Chandler’s offensive contributions have been inconsistent this season (10.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists per game), he has started at both forward spots and has been praised as a solid wing defender.