Alright so this isn't exactly breaking news, but Carmelo Anthony will miss three to four weeks. What exactly does it mean for the Nuggets other than Dukie V won't be able to scream about Melo during tomorrow night's ESPN broadcast ?
Early reports are saying Melo will miss 3-4 weeks. The Nugs should be very thankful that Melo didn't require surgery, which would have knocked him out for much longer.
If Melo is out three weeks, he will miss ten games. Within those ten games, the Nuggets play only three road games. The injury is coming at a somewhat 'good' part of the schedule in that regard. While the Nugs were hoping to lengthen their lead through this stretch, they will now have to at least tread water. Starting Feb 4, the Nuggets start a eight game road trip that stretches across the all-star break. If Melo is not back by Feb 4, then the Nuggets could be in serious jeopardy of slipping in the standings, as the Western conference is jam packed as usual. The Nugs currently sit in a virtual tie for second with the Spurs, but are only 3.5 games ahead of division mate Utah, who currently sits as the #9 seed, outside looking in.
I would argue that the loss of Melo should be much easier to handle over the course of a month than either Nene or Chauncey. Melo can be somewhat replaced by JR Smith sliding in at the two, and moving Dahntay Jones to the three as far as the starters go, with Kleiza getting more minutes off the bench. How far this team goes in the playoffs will depend on the health of Nene and Kenyon Martin. If the bigs are healthy down the stretch any into the playoffs, then the Nugs are dangerous.
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