Emmanuel Mudiay will play Sunday after month-long absence

Mudiay (ankle) will enter the starting lineup at point guard for Sunday's game against the Hornets, Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

Mudiay had been expected to return from a nearly month-long absence at some point last week, but the sprained ankle ended up lingering a little longer than anticipated, extending the rookie's absence to 14 games. He'll immediately reclaim his spot atop the Nuggets' depth chart, as fill-in starter Jameer Nelson (hip) will be sidelined by injury. Given Nelson's unavailability, Mudiay could be in line for 30 minutes right off the bat, with reserve guard Randy Foye picking up the remainder of the playing time at point guard.