Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony is back, just in time for one of the bigger games of the season. But in facing Dallas in a crucial midseason game, Denver will be without their middle linebacker.
Anthony will play tonight against the Mavericks at Pepsi Center, his first action since injuring his left ankle on Jan. 23. And injured teammate J.R. Smith said he will also play through pain in his shoulder.
“It isn’t that bad,” Smith said.
With the bevy on injuries, the Nuggets are fortunate only one player will miss tonight’s game against Dallas at Pepsi Center. But that player will be missed.
As George Karl said, it’s like missing your middle linebacker. Defensive leader Kenyon Martin will sit out, because of discomfort in his left knee.
Martin has played superb for Denver the past month, totaling double-doubles almost nightly. Malik Allen will start in Martin’s place.
Martin will be a game-time decision on Thursday against San Antonio.
Point guard Chauncey Billups (ankle) and center Nene (foot) both participated in the shootaround this morning and are both probable, though the two will see how much pain they’re in this afternoon.
The Nuggets and Mavericks are vying for the No. 2 spot in the West — possibly No. 1 — and the Mavericks won at Pepsi Center earlier this season.
“It’s a real big, important game,” Anthony said. “They came in here and stole one. No excuses about that. I’ll be back tonight.”
