The Birdman is set to take off.
Nuggets reserve center Chris Andersen is back in the rotation, following a Nov. 9 rib injury. Andersen had been playing well off the bench for Denver, and without him on the bench Denver had to get creative, wedging forwards into the low post.
“I think we’ve probably cheated the size factor to our advantage a couple nights,” Nuggets coach George Karl said before Thursday’s tipoff against New Orleans. “I think Chris helps us, because he gives us an athleticism and energy. It’s important that we get him feeling good about his minutes and who he’s going to play with. He basically hasn’t played with Chauncey (Billups) yet.”
Originally, Andersen was set to return Saturday at Minnesota. He ended up returning instead against the Hornets, the team he played for last season.
Andersen entered the game in the first quarter and immediately made his presence felt. He scored a tough layup on his first offensive possession, then grabbed a rebound and dunked back on the other end.
J.R. back too.
Karl didn’t play guard J.R. Smith in Wednesday’s game at the Clippers because Smith had been late to practice. The Nuggets squeaked by the Clippers that night, 106-105.
“The whole team was told there will be different ramifications for being late this year than last year,” Karl said. “I’m not going to be very coddling of the situation. It’s just going to be simple.”
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
