DENVER (AP) - Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari will sit out Monday night against Atlanta because of a sprained left big toe.
The Hawks will be without guard Kirk Hinrich, who was scratched just before the game with a sore right calf.
Gallinari stubbed his toe late in a loss to Portland on Friday night and Nuggets coach George Karl said the digit remains tender. Gallinari scored 30 points against the Blazers, one shy of tying his career high.
The 22-year-old forward was acquired by the Nuggets in the blockbuster deal that sent Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks. He had two points in his debut with Denver last Thursday in a win over Boston.
Asked after morning practice if he could replace Anthony, Gallinari simply responded: “Melo is a superstar. I’m not a superstar. I’m a normal player that can help the team win. That’s it.”
The Hawks picked up Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong last week in a deal that sent Mike Bibby, Maurice Evans, Jordan Crawford and a draft pick to the Washington Wizards.
Hinrich has played in two games for Atlanta since the trade. He had eight points in more than 29 minutes during a win at Portland on Sunday night.
Before the game, Hawks coach Larry Drew said Hinrich was “a little sore.”
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