If the Denver Nuggets ever needed a shot in the arm, now would be the time. A 1-4 start has Brian Shaw's team reeling, but it'll get a boost with the return of forward Wilson Chandler on Monday night against the Utah Jazz, reports the Denver Post's Chris Dempsey.
Wilson Chandler injury: Nuggets F expected to return from hamstring issue vs. Jazz
The Denver Nuggets will debut forward Wilson Chandler on Monday after a slower-than-expected recovery from a hamstring problem.
USA TODAY Sports
Just how much of a help the 6’8 forward will be is still an issue, however. Denver’s training staff will keep a close watch on Chandler, and his minutes could be restricted as the team takes a cautious approach.
Chandler missed the preseason and regular season with a lingering hamstring injury, and after initially pushing himself too hard in rehab will finally be able to give it another go. The 26-year-old out of DePaul averaged 13 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in 43 outings during the 2012-13 season, and he will provide another scoring option that Denver is lacking after point guard Ty Lawson’s 22.3 points per game.
Denver Stiffs: More on the Nuggets
The Nuggets are still awaiting the return of swingman Danilo Gallinari, who tore his ACL in April. That injury added a hole to Denver's offense considering Gallinari was averaging 16 points per game, and it didn't help this offseason when Andre Iguodala found himself headed to Golden State. The much-improved Jordan Hamilton has taken to the starting small forward spot and behind Lawson is the second-leading scorer at 12 points per game.
More early troubles cropped up Sunday when it was learned center JaVale McGee would be out indefinitely with a stress fracture in his leg, but the return of Chandler -- if he's healthy enough -- gives Denver another scoring option on the perimeter.
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