Nuggets' Gallinari to rest knee for a few games

After missing 18 months due to a torn ACL in his left knee, Danilo Gallinari has learned when to listen to his body.

The Denver Nuggets forward had appeared in the team's first 21 games of the season before taking a respite on Wednesday, a rest that's going to last at least a few games. Gallinari said Thursday that he's not dealing with a new injury, but that he's taking a couple games off to rest and heal.

Gallinari first injured the knee in April of 2013 and was expected back during the 2013-14 season, only to run into complications and barely make the start of this season. While he's been slow to round into form, averaging just 6.7 points on 32.8 percent shooting in 17.8 minutes, just getting consistent playing time was a major positive.

The Nuggets are now left to hope that rest helps push Gallinari back to the type of player he was before the injury. In 2012-13, he averaged 16.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists, making the franchise look smart for the four-year, $42-million extension they signed him to in January of 2012. The 26-year-old Gallinari now has just this year and next to make good on that deal.

With Gallinari on the shelf, the Nuggets will lean more heavily on starter Wilson Chandler and reserve Alonzo Gee.