Nuggets will be without a starter for the "foreseeable future"

Nuggets fan should’ve been able to bask in the afterglow of Nikola Jokic’s 35-point triple-double following Saturday’s home opener. Instead, the atmosphere inside Pepsi Center remained gloomy despite Denver’s 119-91 demolition of the Phoenix Suns. Why? The feeling that the Nuggets might have won a battle but lost a war. In the third quarter, Will Barton had to be wheeled off the court on a stretcher after he went up for a layup and felt a pop.

On Sunday, Barton had an MRI to determine the severity of the lower body injury. Nuggets coach Michael Malone didn’t feel comfortable offering a timeline on Barton’s return but said his starting small forward will be unavailable for the “foreseeable future.”

“I know (director of sports medicine) Steve Short, the medical staff and the team docs are taking a look at those images that are taken,” Malone said. “I think we’ll have a much better, clearer update tomorrow.”

Asked if there is concern Barton suffered a season-ending injury, Malone said: “I don’t think it’s anything to that extent. But once again, I’m not a doctor. Obviously, I think he’ll be out tonight and for the foreseeable future. What does that mean? How long? That’s to be determined. Hopefully, we’ll get some good news tomorrow.”

The Nuggets said Barton had a right hip injury. However, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Sunday that Barton suffered a strained right groin.

Missing Barton for an extended amount of time would disrupt a Nuggets’ starting lineup that’s run like a well oiled machine in the first two games of the season. Denver’s Jamal Murray-Gary Harris-Barton-Paul Millsap-Jokic unit has outscored opponents by 29 points in 46 minutes of floor time. The Nuggets are 2-0 for the first time since 2011-12.

Malone wouldn’t reveal who he’ll plug in in Barton’s absence — and said that his starting small forward could change on a game-by-game basis.

“Depending on the matchup, we’ll figure out who we’re playing and which guy gives us the best chance to succeed,” Malone said.

He could go with Torrey Craig, who played solid defense against Suns guard Devin Booker, sweet-shooting Juancho Hernangomez, or talented but inexperienced Malik Beasley. Malone also said Trey Lyles could see some minutes at small forward while Barton is unavailable.

“It’s tough to replicate what Will does because he impacts the game in so many ways,” Malone said. “Last night is a great example. In the 19 minutes he plays he’s scoring at a high level, finishing and playmaking.”

Here is the play where Barton got hurt.