NELSON OUT WITH INJURED RIGHT HIP

Just when the Nuggets got one point guard — Emmanuel Mudiay — back, they lost another.

Jameer Nelson missed Sunday’s game with a strained right hip flexor. As was the case when Nelson was in and Mudiay out, Randy Foye was the reserve point guard.

Nelson is day to day with the injury.

He had seen lots of playing time recently, starting in place of Mudiay for the 14 games the rookie missed. During that time, Nelson played an average of 32.1 minutes, about five per game more than his season average. So in total, Nelson was on the court about 70 more minutes than he usually would have been. That, for a 34-year-old veteran, can take its toll. He suffered the injury Friday night late in a game at Memphis.

Nelson played well in place of Mudiay, averaging 10.1 points, and had a 6-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio in that span.

Also out for Sunday’s game was Kenneth Faried, who remained with family after the birth of his baby girl — Kenzie Brielle Faried Lewis on Saturday.

“We wish them well, very happy for the birth of their newest daughter Kenzie, and look forward to having him back as soon as possible,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.

Defense improving?

Going into Sunday’s game, the Nuggets were trending in the right direction defensively. It’s not a coincidence that the improvement came after the team got some practice days, though there is more room for improvement.

“We’ve been able to hold teams under 40 percent and lower points allowed,” Malone said. “The defense has been better. Part of that is who we’ve played and how they play.”