Caution still rules in keeping Afflalo out

Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo is one of the more passionate players in the league — stays after practice, cherishes defense, takes losses hard — so when the physicians told him he couldn't play in Game 1, it hurt as much as, well, a hamstring strain.

"It is frustrating because I want to get out and help my team, but they'll be fine," said Afflalo, who starts at shooting guard when healthy. "I can perhaps run around and shoot, but can I play a competitive playoff game, be effective for my team for the type of minutes I play and not re- aggravate (the injury)? That's a different story."

Nuggets coach George Karl started Wilson Chandler at shooting guard for Afflalo, who averages 12.6 points per game.

Asked if he should be ruled out for the series, Afflalo said: "I don't think you should do that. . . . The reality is hamstrings take three to four weeks to really heal without the possibility of retweaking it. But that doesn't mean I can't get out on the court, so I'm going to kind of roll with the series, see how things are looking for us, the position we're in. I will get on the court."