McDyess

DENVER -- Denver Nuggets forward Antonio McDyess was placed on the injured list Thursday because of knee inflammation.

McDyess didn't play Thursday night against the Sacramento Kings, who defeated Denver 118-82.

McDyess and general manager Kiki Vandeweghe called the decision a mutual one. Each is refusing to rule out McDyess playing again this season, though it seems unlikely he'll return.

McDyess, who missed the first 54 games of the season after surgery on his left knee, returned to the lineup March 1.

Before the Sacramento game, coach Mike Evans said he likely wouldn't play McDyess on consecutive nights for the rest of the season if McDyess comes back. The forward had 16 points in 22 minutes in a 107-75 loss to Washington on Wednesday night.

In his only action in the second of back-to-back games March 4 at Utah, McDyess had some knee pain. He didn't play against Miami on March 16, one night after playing at Orlando.