Left Thumb Injury Forces Mutombo to Sit Out the Nuggets’ Last 10 Games

Rookie Dikembe Mutombo will miss the Denver Nuggets’ 10 remaining games because of a left thumb injury, the team announced Tuesday.

Mutombo, who has a torn ulnar collateral ligament, was placed on the injured list. The Nuggets activated Steve Scheffler from the injured list to take the rookie’s place.

“Dikembe has had a terrific season and has surpassed all hopes we had for him as a rookie,” said Bernie Bickerstaff, general manager. “Collectively, with the absence of Dikembe, the rest of the team will have to step up to another level the last 10 games.”

Mutombo was hurt late in the game Saturday when Denver lost to Phoenix.

Physicians removed a splint from Mutombo’s hand Tuesday and determined the seriousness of the torn ligament. A decision on possible surgery to repair the injury is pending.