URGENT UPDATE: Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is sidelined for at least four to six weeks due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, sources confirmed to ESPN just minutes ago. Gordon sustained the injury during the Nuggets’ road victory against the Houston Rockets on November 10 and underwent an MRI on November 11, which revealed the unfortunate severity of the injury.
This development adds to the Nuggets’ challenges, as Gordon becomes the second starter to face a prolonged absence, joining Christian Braun, who is expected to miss at least six weeks due to an ankle sprain he suffered on November 12. Gordon had just scored a staggering 50 points on opening night against the Golden State Warriors, making him the sixth player in NBA history to achieve such a feat in a season opener.
The Nuggets are currently 12-4 and sit second in the Western Conference, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder at 16-1. Gordon was having a breakout season, averaging a career-high 18.8 points and shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc. His performance placed him among an elite group of seven players averaging at least 15 points with a shooting efficiency of 50-40-85, according to ESPN Research.
Gordon entered the game against the Rockets managing bilateral hamstring issues, and this injury marks a significant setback for the Nuggets. During last season’s Western Conference semifinals, he played through a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing his resilience.
With Gordon out, the Nuggets will need to rely heavily on their offseason roster enhancements and depth. Fourth-year forward Peyton Watson is expected to step up in Gordon’s absence, alongside new acquisitions such as Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Nuggets are preparing to face a series of challenging matchups in the coming weeks. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts without Gordon’s scoring and playmaking abilities. As the situation develops, the Nuggets’ performance during this critical stretch will be pivotal in maintaining their standing in the Western Conference.