Camby

DENVER -- Denver Nuggets center Marcus Camby is expected to join the rest of the team for Friday night's home opener against Houston. But he'll be on the sidelines.

Camby is still recovering from hip surgery he had last month. He has been going through rehabilitation in New York and will continue his conditioning in Denver.

Denver acquired the center from the New York Knicks in an offseason trade. Camby's agent has said the player's injury stems from February when he collided with another player during a Knicks-Indiana game and didn't get the proper care. Knicks officials have refused to comment on the claim.

Camby isn't expected to suit up until at least January.

Nuggets gain some cap room: The franchise has declined to exercise the $1.6 million contract option of Donnell Harvey.

The 22-year-old Harvey will become a restricted free agent next summer -- which means the Nuggets could match any offer he gets from other teams. And that would allow the 6-foot-8 forward to re-sign with the Nuggets without counting against the salary cap.

Nuggets officials say Harvey understands they like him as a player but have a business decision to make. Harvey has averaged eight points and 6.2 rebounds in 29 games with the Nuggets.