Life is good for the Nuggets and is expected to get better by week's end with the return of center Marcus Camby.

Camby said before Denver's 89-85 win over San Antonio on Sunday that he expects to return from a fractured right pinkie at the "latter half of this week." That could mean a return in one of the back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday or Saturday. Camby is scheduled to be examined by a team doctor Tuesday.

"I do want to get a couple practices in under my belt, get familiar with playing with the guys," Camby said. "It's been almost a month."

Camby was averaging 16.3 points, 12.9 rebounds and was considered a Western Conference all-star candidate before missing the past 13 games with a broken finger. He still ranks second in the league in blocked shots per game (3.1) despite his absence.

"I'm doing conditioning every day, trying to get ready," Camby said. "I'm starting to shoot a little bit."