Nuggets' Faried sustains back spasms vs. Suns

The Manimal was sidelined with a bad back during Saturday's tilt between the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns.

Kenneth Faried suffered from back spasms after playing 14 minutes in the first half and did not return after halftime with the Suns up 60-28.

Phoenix eventually cruised to the 105-81 victory, while the Nuggets turned to a small-ball lineup with Danilo Gallinari at the four to replace Faried.

Faried is enjoying something of a resurgence this season under newly-hired head coach Mike Malone. The 25-year-old is averaging 14.4 points and 10 rebounds per game (both career highs) while shooting 58.6 percent from the field.