"Mike Miller never has a bad day,": Nuggets' Malone thankful to have the veteran back

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DENVER – The banged-up Denver Nuggets take on a depleted Miami Heat team who have also battled injuries early on this season, at Pepsi Center Wednesday night.

The Nuggets will have Danilo Gallinari in the lineup tonight. In addition, veteran Mike Miller is back after being away from the team for a number of games for personal reasons.

Malone talked highly of the veteran at shootaround Wednesday morning.

“I haven’t been around very many guys who are 17-year vets that bring that energy and that vocal leadership every single day,” Michael Malone said of Miller. “Mike Miller is a guy that if I have to put him in the game to get the ball in bounds or play meaningful minutes I trust 1000 percent.”

Miller hasn’t had a huge role for Denver early on, only appearing in three games and scoring just nine points on the season. However, the presence Miller has in the Nuggets’ locker room is his greatest attribute.

“For me, the biggest thing is that we have such a young team and anytime you can put a guy like Mike Miller, who has accomplished as such as he has, who is about all the right things; team player, character, culture,” Malone said. “I think we need to surround our young players with guys like Mike and guys like Jameer (Nelson). I think Mike Miller is worth every penny he gets and I am thankful he is a part of our team.”

Injury updates

Gallinari participating in practice Tuesday, went through shootaround Wednesday and is in line to return to the lineup Wednesday night against Miami.

“As of right now I would be shocked if Gallo did not play,” Malone said at shootaround Wednesday morning.

Will Barton (ankle) is doubtful tonight after missing 11 of the Nuggets last 14 games, as is Darrell Arthur who is battling a cold. Gary Harris (foot) remains out.