Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has been sidelined indefinitely with a right hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. The injury occurred early in Friday's win over the Houston Rockets, limiting him to three minutes of play. Gordon's absence adds to the team's challenges, as Christian Braun is also out with an ankle sprain.
The Denver Nuggets announced on Sunday that forward Aaron Gordon sustained a Grade 2 right hamstring strain during Friday's 112-109 NBA Cup victory over the Houston Rockets. Gordon, 30, played just three minutes before exiting and did not participate in Saturday's 128-123 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
This season, Gordon has been performing at a career-high level, averaging 18.8 points per game on 44.4% three-point shooting, which ranks among the NBA's top 20 marks. He also contributes 5.9 rebounds per game and serves as a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Acquired from the Orlando Magic in March 2021, Gordon has been a key piece alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, helping the Nuggets win their first NBA title in 2023.
Gordon has a history of lower-body issues, including a Grade 2 left hamstring strain he played through in Game 7 of last season's second-round playoff loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he recorded 8 points and 11 rebounds in over 24 minutes. This season, he has dealt with hamstring problems in both legs.
Compounding the injury is the absence of starting wing Christian Braun, who sprained his left ankle on November 12 against the Los Angeles Clippers and is expected to be re-evaluated in four to six weeks, though reports vary slightly on the timeline. With both players out, the Nuggets turned to Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones in the starting lineup against the Kings, while Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Hunter Tyson saw increased minutes off the bench. Cam Johnson, acquired in the offseason, provides additional depth.
Denver enters the week with a 12-4 record, second in the Western Conference behind the 16-1 Oklahoma City Thunder. Jokić continues to excel, averaging 30.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 10.8 assists. Coach David Adelman noted before Saturday's game that the team is carefully assessing Gordon's condition to ensure proper recovery.
Last season, the Nuggets were 33-18 in games Gordon played compared to 17-14 without him, underscoring his impact, particularly on defense where Jokić is not a strong rim protector. On October 23, Gordon scored a career-high 50 points, including 10 of 11 three-pointers, in a 137-131 overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors.
