Friday, February 01, 2002 - Denver Nuggets swingman Tariq Abdul-Wahad said Thursday he expects to come off the injured list today, thus making him eligible to play on the road tonight against the Sacramento Kings.

TATTERED TARIQ
Since being acquired Feb. 1, 2000 in a trade from Orlando, Nuggets swingman Tariq Abdul-Wahad has missed more games because of injuries and illnesses than he has played. Here is a breakdown of his time in Denver:

- 1999-2000: Missed 22 games (sprained left wrist*); played 15 games.

- 2000-01: Missed 38 games (tonsillectomy / flu); played 29 games; did not play coach's decision 15 games.

- 2001-02: Missed 31 games (left knee surgery); played 12 games.

* Required season-ending surgery.

Abdul-Wahad missed the past 31 games because of a left knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery Nov. 24. The6-foot-6, 223-pound veteran, best known for his strong defensive play, is averaging 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds. With Ab-dul-Wahad in the lineup, the Nuggets are 6-6. Since losing him toinjury, they are 7-24.