Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony said his broken right hand is healing nicely and he has his eye on the Jan. 30 home game against Charlotte as a possible return date.
After this week, when we come back (Wednesday) we have four days without games so I’ll utilize that,” Anthony said. “I’m looking at maybe the Charlotte game. I’m pretty sure I’ll be back by the first of the month.”
Anthony said he has been running often to “keep my cardio up” and this evening he will begin doing court work, “doing some cuts and try to get back in court shape.”
Anthony injured his hand in the Jan. 5 game against the Pacers.
Kobe Bryant, Anthony’s Team USA teammate, told the Orange County Register that Bryant is willing to commit to play for the team in the 2010 World Championships in Turkey. Asked if he would play for the 2010 team, Anthony said: “I’m not saying I’m against it, but I haven’t really decided if I’m going to do it.”
The Nuggets host the Suns tonight at 8:30 at Pepsi Center (TNT), and Denver coach George Karl said that guard Chauncey Billups was sent home from shootaround because he was ill, but the coach said he’d be “shocked” if Billups didn’t play tonight.
Also, Karl expects reserve guard J.R. Smith will start in Anthony’s small forward spot.
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
