It’s weird to think what the Nuggets will look like a month from today. It’s possible that Denver will have traded Carmelo Anthony, thus revamping the roster. But as of Saturday, the Nuggets entered the month with much optimism. In fact, coach George Karl said the goal is 10 to 12 wins.
“The schedule for January is really a good schedule,” Karl said. “We’ve got to be ready for it and take advantage of it.”
Only five of Denver’s 17 games are against teams over .500, with one (Houston) at .500. Nine of the first 12 games are at home, with the last five games on the road.
“If we want to get 50 (wins this season), we’ve got to put 10, 12 up (in January),” Karl said.
Denver hosts Houston on Monday and travels to play the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, followed on Thursday at Sacramento.
January features the most anticipated game at the Pepsi Center this season, the lone arrival of the Miami Heat and its big three — LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh — on Jan. 13.
Still no Harrington.
The Nuggets played again Saturday without Al Harrington, who is out because of a dislocated right thumb. Karl said there is “a chance” Harrington could return against the Rockets.
Karl said he was looking forward to the reserve forward’s return “so we can start a rotation and an identity there.” Indeed, it would be the first time all season that the Nuggets are completely healthy.
Harrington, averaging 12.1 points this season, has missed the past three games.
