NEW YORK — The Nuggets will go into Monday’s game at Cleveland without Danilo Gallinari and Nate Robinson, coach Brian Shaw said Sunday.
Gallinari and Robinson are not yet cleared to play in back-to-back games. Robinson is dealing with more nicks and bruises on top of making sure his surgically repaired knee is fully healthy.
“Nate and Gallo will be out for sure,” Shaw said. “We’ll see about J.J. (Hickson).”
Robinson played 10 minutes in the Nuggets’ 109-93 loss to the Knicks on Sunday. He scored five points and made 1-of-5 shots. Gallinari played 14 minutes, scored five points and made 1-of-5 shots. Shaw didn’t want to play Hickson, who was scoreless in 12 minutes, but felt he couldn’t hold him out.
“I was trying to hold J.J. out and use him (Monday),” Shaw said. “But we ended up having to go to him.”
Hickson had ACL surgery this year, just as Gallinari and Robinson did. All three players are expected to be held out of playing both ends of back-to-back games for the time being.
JaVale McGee has been cleared to play in back-to-back games and will be available against the Cavaliers. McGee played only six minutes Sunday and scored two points.
Afflalo heating up. After a sluggish start, veteran guard Arron Afflalo is finding his groove. In the past two games, he averaged 17.5 points while shooting 59 percent from the field, including 57.1 percent from 3-point range.
Why the hot hand?
“I think it’s more of a mental adjustment and more of a physical adjustment for me,” Afflalo said. “Throughout my career, I’ve had to adjust my style of play offensively and defensively to fit whatever the coach’s plan was.
“So, for me it’s just a matter of time. One way or another, I’ll figure it out.”
