Nuggets' Karl to miss rest of road trip

DENVER, March 12 (UPI) -- Denver Coach George Karl, undergoing treatment for cancer, will miss the remaining three games of the Nuggets' current road trip, the NBA team said Friday.

The Nuggets started the trip with a win Wednesday at Minnesota without Karl but it was thought he might join the team in New Orleans for Friday's game. Other team officials said he will now miss Friday's contest and also games Saturday in Memphis and Monday in Houston.

The team said Karl was adjusting to a feeding tube inserted into his stomach during surgery Monday.

Karl disclosed that he has neck and throat cancer Feb. 16 and said he would likely miss games because of treatments. Adrian Dantley coaches the team when Karl is unable to and is 2-0 so far.

"I have tremendous trust in A.D. and my staff," Karl said. "I think they'll keep the team in a good place over the next few days and hopefully I'll be ready to rejoin them when they come home next week."

Denver's next home game is Tuesday against Washington.

The Nuggets are 43-21 this season and in third place in the NBA's Western Division.