Gary Harris set for return vs. Damian Lillard-less Trail Blazers

After missing Denver’s 112-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Gary Harris (right elbow contusion) is expected to return to the Nuggets’ lineup tonight (8:00 p.m. MT) in Portland against the Trail Blazers barring a setback in pregame warmups.

The 23-year-old was diagnosed with a right elbow contusion following a scary fall in the Nuggets’ loss in Oklahoma City on Monday. Harris spoke with the media at shootaround Wednesday before Denver hosted Minnesota and said he’d test out his elbow in pregame warmups. Harris was ruled out approximately an hour before tip-off.

Harris should step into Denver’s starting lineup and guard C.J. McCollum who’s coming off a 5-22 shooting night in Portland’s 93-91 loss versus San Antonio on Wednesday. McCollum will be called upon to do the heavy lifting for the Trail Blazers tonight with Damian Lillard sidelined due to a hamstring strain. Lillard will reportedly miss Portland’s game Sunday in Los Angeles against the Lakers as well.

On the season, Harris is averaging 16.1 points per game but has upped his scoring output to 19.2 points per game in December. Harris scored 21 points against New Orleans last week and tallied 19 more Monday against the Thunder.

The Nuggets, who fell to the Trail Blazers earlier this season 99-82 at Moda Center, are looking for their first win in Portland since Feb. 27, 2013. Ty Lawson scored 30 points in the victory while Andre Iguodala added 29.

Denver has lost their last nine games in a row in Portland.

Nuggets Projected Starters

Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Torrey Craig, Wilson Chandler, Nikola Jokic

Trail Blazers Projected Starters

Shabazz Napier, C.J. McCollum, Evan Turner, Al-Farouq Aminu, Jusuf Nurkic