DETROIT — The end of inactivity is near for two important pieces to the Nuggets’ puzzle.
Forward Eduardo Najera, who has not participated in a full practice yet because of a lower back strain, said Sunday he anticipates playing in one of the two remaining Nuggets’ preseason games this week.
“Definitely I will,” Najera said. “Regardless.”
He participated in the shootaround Sunday morning, then iced his back. The Nuggets have games Tuesday against Milwaukee at Green Bay, Wis., and Wednesday against the Pistons in Grand Rapids, Mich.
“Tomorrow he’ll go hard and we’ll evaluate Tuesday and Wednesday,” Nuggets coach George Karl said Sunday.
Meanwhile, Nene is starting to eye his return.
The forward, who has not practiced in the preseason due to a calf strain he suffered in the Olympic qualifying tournament, said he might start practicing this week. If so, he’d like to play in a game next week.
“I’m doing good. I feel better,” Nene said. “I’m taking care of my body, taking care of my knee, taking care of my calf. Soon, I’ll be ready.”
Atkins assimilation. New Nuggets guard Chucky Atkins played in his first preseason game Sunday, and although the Nuggets were without regulars Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, Atkins said it is important he get court time.
“I need to get out there and start playing with my teammates,” Atkins said. “Get my timing right, as far as game-time situations, and get ready for the start of the season. My main thing right now is to come back, first of all get my wind up, back the way it was. And just be healthy and get a flow and a feel for the game.”
But Atkins tweaked a groin injury that had been limiting him recently. He did not play in the second half and guessed he would not play in any more games this week.
Footnotes. Forward Linas Kleiza sprained his right ankle in the first half and did not return. “I couldn’t go,” he said. Kleiza said “hopefully” he’ll return soon. … Marcus Camby had his second big rebounding game in the Nuggets’ first three preseason contests, finishing with 16 boards (and 10 points) in 27 minutes. … The Nuggets are going to stay in Detroit and practice today and Tuesday before going to Green Bay.
