Jan 27, 2018; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets are looking ahead for crucial Game 3 vs the Utah Jazz with Michael Malone giving a positive update on Gary Harris’ injury status.

Harris missed the restart of the season and all eight seeding games due to a right hip strain. Now Malone believes that the shooting guard could return during the first round series with Utah.

“I think he’s getting in a really good place mentally and physically and it would be great to get him back at some point in this series if that’s possible,” Malone said Thursday, per Denver Post’s Mike Singer.

“Gary Harris is not playing tomorrow. But he is taking steps in the right direction,” Malone continued. The Nuggets will face Utah on Friday for Game 3 of the opening playoff round.