UPDATE: Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is set to miss at least 4-6 weeks due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, sources confirmed to ESPN on Sunday. Gordon sustained the injury during Friday’s road victory against the Houston Rockets and underwent an MRI on Saturday that confirmed the severity.
This injury is a significant blow for the Nuggets, who now have two starters sidelined for an extended period. Christian Braun is also out, expected to miss at least six weeks following an ankle sprain he suffered on November 12. With such critical players injured, the Nuggets face a challenging stretch ahead.
Gordon has been instrumental for Denver this season, scoring a career-high 50 points on opening night against the Golden State Warriors. He is currently averaging career bests of 18.8 points and a stellar 44.4% from the three-point line, joining an elite group of seven players averaging 15 points with shooting splits of 50-40-85, according to ESPN Research.
This setback is particularly concerning as Gordon entered Friday’s game already managing bilateral hamstring issues. He notably played through a Grade 2 left hamstring strain during last season’s Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Nuggets, currently holding a record of 12-4 and ranked second in the Western Conference, will need to rely heavily on their depth. The team made significant off-season additions, including Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas. Fourth-year forward Peyton Watson is expected to step up in Gordon’s absence as the Nuggets navigate this critical period.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Nuggets adapt to these unexpected challenges. The team’s resilience will be tested in the coming weeks as they aim to maintain their strong start to the season. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
