Taylor Hendricks is set to return to action Wednesday when the team meets the Nuggets, after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Cavaliers because of a right thumb sprain. He is not listed on the injury report for the game.
The timing matters because Monday’s absence came on the second leg of a back-to-back, and Wednesday opens the door for Hendricks to get back into the rotation right away. With Olivier-Maxence Prosper doubtful and GG Jackson out, he should play a sizable role.
Hendricks missed Monday’s game only because of the thumb issue, and his clean status now suggests the injury is no longer keeping him out. That leaves the team with one less question entering a matchup that should ask for frontcourt minutes and immediate availability.
The bigger issue is not whether Hendricks is available, but how much he can handle after the brief setback. If he looks like himself, the team will need him quickly, with several other options already limited or unavailable.