Isaiah Thomas takes important step in return from injury

Rampant injuries up and down Denver’s roster combined with a hectic schedule haven’t allowed the Nuggets many chances to work out their kinks on their practice court over the last few weeks. Today, Denver was finally afforded that opportunity as Nuggets coach Michael Malone cautiously allowed his team to play in live 5-on-5 games during Sunday’s practice.

“To allow our guys to play competitive 5-on-5, it was great today and I think the players missed it,” Malone said. “The reason we haven’t done it is just because we haven’t had healthy bodies. And I was sitting there as we were doing it today saying my prayers because I don’t need Nikola (Jokic) or Jamal (Murray) tweaking an ankle or a knee. That’s the last thing this team needs. It’s a fine line of getting your work in but also being smart enough to make sure you’re not putting your players in the position where you could be in further jeopardy of missing games with injury.”

The Nuggets have had the most games missed in the league due to injury this season, and ailments to Will Barton, Gary Harris, Jamal Murray and Paul Millsap throughout the year haven’t allowed Denver to play its opening night starting lineup together since the second game of the season.

Harris, who’s missed the Nuggets’ last five games with an adductor strain, has already been ruled out for Denver’s matchup Monday when the Nuggets host the Heat. Denver will likely hold Harris out of Wednesday’s game against the Kings, too — the Nuggets’ final matchup before the All-Star break. There’s some optimism around the team that Millsap (right ankle soreness), who’s listed as questionable for Monday after missing Denver’s last three games, will be able to play.

The team’s 5-on-5 drills on Sunday also allowed Isaiah Thomas, who is yet to play this season while rehabbing from right hip surgery, to progress in his return to the court. Thomas participated in “a little bit” of Denver’s 5-on-5 work, Malone said.

Thomas, who the Nuggets signed to a veteran’s minimum contract last summer, is still without a formal timetable to return but is getting closer to joining Denver’s lineup.

While in Philadelphia on Friday for their matchup against the 76ers, the Nuggets had plans in place for Thomas to practice with the G League’s Delaware Blue Coats in a 5-on-5 setting. However, injuries to the Blue Coats’ roster forced the G League affiliate to alter their practice plans and Thomas ended up staying in Philadelphia with the team.

Thomas has already been ruled out of Monday’s game against the Heat.