Nuggets' Chandler out for opener with hip strain

Denver Nuggets swingman Wilson Chandler will miss their season opener with a strained hip, Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post reports.

Chandler was able to practice Monday, but his troublesome hip pushed him to see a specialist. Shooting guard Will Barton will draw the start in Chandler's stead.

The 28-year-old Chandler was one of few bright spots in a down year for Denver last season. Chandler averaged 13.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 34.2 percent from deep. His efforts earned him a four-year, $46-million extension in July.

He followed that up with robust per-36 averages of 18 points and 7.1 rebounds while appearing in all seven of the Nuggets' preseason games.