Nuggets Vs. Grizzlies: Al Harrington Draws First Start Of 2012 Season; Timofey Mozgov Returns

Read More: Al Harrington (F - DEN), Kosta Koufos (C - DEN), George Karl (H - DEN), Timofey Mozgov (C - DEN), Kenneth Faried (F - DEN), Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets

George Karl has not wanted to disrupt his bench rotation this season even with the numerous injuries the Denver Nuggets have had over the last couple of weeks, but that has changed on Friday night. Karl has decided to start forward Al Harrington for the first time this season, reports the Denver Post's Chris Dempsey.

Harrington is averaging 14.6 points and 5.9 rebounds in 26.8 minutes off the bench this season, making him a strong candidate for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award. Harrington will likely force rookie Kenneth Faried back to the bench.

Timofey Mozgov will return from an ankle injury, but will only play in limited minutes. Mozgov has not played in a couple of weeks, injuring his ankle against the Lakers. Kosta Koufos has started in his place and most recently had 12 points and 14 rebounds in Wednesday's loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

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