Nuggets' Gallinari returns after fracturing thumb

DENVER (AP) -- Danilo Gallinari was back in the Nuggets' starting lineup Monday night against the Golden State Warriors after missing 10 games because of a broken left thumb.

Gallinari was out nearly three weeks since fracturing the thumb during a game against Dallas on March 19.

Denver coach George Karl said before the game that Gallinari's return should give the team some added scoring punch.

"I am just going to throw him in the lineup," Karl said. "I'm not going to mess around. I think we need him."

The Nuggets went 5-5 in Gallinari's absence and began the day clinging to a one game lead over Phoenix for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff berth.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets said forward Wilson Chandler remains day to day because of a lingering groin strain. Chandler missed his fifth consecutive game with the injury.

The Warriors were without Andrew Bogut (fractured left ankle) and Stephen Curry (sprained right ankle).

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