DENVER (AP) -- The Denver Nuggets will be without leading scorer Danilo Gallinari against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night as the forward sits out with a bruised left thigh.

Gallinari only played sparingly in a win over Charlotte on Saturday. He's averaging 16.9 points this season.

Nuggets coach George Karl was fully expecting Gallinari to be in the starting lineup, saying before the game, "I think he's good. I didn't even check today. He told me this morning it was fine."

Earlier this month, the smooth-shooting Gallinari missed two games with a sinus infection. He is Denver's top threat from 3-point range.

With Gallinari sidelined, Wilson Chandler will start. Corey Brewer also could receive more playing time.