Danilo Gallinari ahead of schedule after knee surgery

DENVER (AP) Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari says he's ''a little ahead of schedule'' after undergoing surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his right knee last month.

When he will return to the court, though, still remains unknown. He may be a few more weeks away from suiting up, but said after the team's practice Monday he hopes it's not that long.

Gallinari hasn't played since scoring 19 points in a win over Indiana on Dec. 20. He's averaging 7.8 points this season as he returns to the Nuggets after missing nearly 18 months with a torn ACL in his left knee that required three surgeries.

Although the latest knee injury is ''tough,'' Gallinari said he's fortunate that it's ''not a major surgery'' and ''not a major problem. So, it's easier.''