Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari is expected to miss at least the next month after suffering two torn ligaments in his right ankle Friday against the Dallas Mavericks. 

Gallinari, who signed a two-year, $34 million extension with Denver last summer, was averaging a career best 19.5 points and 5.3 rebounds at the time of the injury. 

Considering the Nuggets boast a 23-37 record heading into Tuesday's action, there's very little reason to believe the team will force its best player back in action before the season draws to a conclusion. 

With Gallinari out, youngsters on the Nuggets' roster will be afforded the opportunity to step up their games big time. This list includes the back-court trio of Will Barton, Gary Harris and Emmanuel Mudiay. As it relates to who replaces Gallinari at small forward, Barton should be given extensive minutes at the three with Mudiay and Harris filling out the backcourt duo.

H/t Yahoo Sports