Reserve point guard Chucky Atkins might miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia. Atkins was brought in to start at point guard for the Nuggets but it just hasn’t panned out. Atkins has played in 9 games this season and he has averaged 17.6 minutes, 4.0 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Anthony Carter has seen a bump in playing time and he’s played very well. Carter has played in 23 games this season for the Nuggets and he’s averaging 29.3 minutes, 8.5 points, 3.2 assists and 5.9 assists per game.

The Nuggets have lost starting power forward Nene’ Hilario indefinately due to personal reasons. He also has had a tumor removed from his body which could have led him to some nervousness. Nene’ has played in only 12 games so far this season and he is averaging 19.8 minutes, 6.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.0 blocked shot per game. Kenyon Martin and Eduardo Najera will pick up Nene’s minutes until he’s ready to return.

Steven Hunter has underwent surgery on his right knee and he will be out indefinately. Hunter played in only 4 games this season so far and he has averaged 4.8 minutes, 0.8 points and 1.3 rebounds. He likely won’t be missed too much for the Nuggets until he can return to action.

J.R. Smith will be out three to four weeks after having knee surgery earlier today.  He has played in 42 games this season and is averaging 15.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.  Smith is the Nuggets best long range shooter as he’s hit 39% from 3-point range.  He is the only player on the Nuggets roster that has hit more than 43 three pointers this season so his absence could really hurt the Nuggets.

Marcus Camby will miss the next two weeks after breaking a finger on his shooting hand.  Camby has been very injury prone during his career, so it’s not a shock that something like this has happened.  It did, however, happen at the worst time possible for the Nuggets who are already missing alot of players due to suspension.  Camby was averaging 11.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steal and 2.7 blocks per game so far this season.  Nene and Reggie Evans will probably split Camby’s minutes until he can return.