Hip soreness returns for Nuggets' Chandler

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Denver Nuggets’ Sixth Man Wilson Chandler has been ruled out of Saturday’s game in Orlando with right hip soreness.

Chandler’s right hip is the same one the 29-year-old had surgery on last year that kept him out for all of the 2015-16 season. The 6-foot-8 forward played 32 minutes in the Nuggets’ 92-85 loss to the Washington Wizards Thursday, but only totaled five points on a season-worst 2-16 shooting.

In 21 games this season (two starts), Chandler has enjoyed a career year averaging 18.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and nearly a steal per game. The points and rebounds are both career-highs for Chandler.

With Chandler out of the lineup look for reserve swingman Juancho Hernangomez to get a significant boost in playing time. Hernangomez,

Hernangomez, 21, is only averaging 11.2 minutes per game for Denver this season but has been solid defensively on the perimeter. The No. 15 overall pick is also shooting 36.8 percent from three-point range on the season.

Kenneth Faried, who received a DNP-CD Thursday in Washington, could also find minutes in Chandler’s absence.