BREAKING: Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks due to a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, confirmed by sources to ESPN on Sunday. This injury, sustained during Friday’s victory against the Houston Rockets, is a significant blow for the Nuggets, currently boasting a 12-4 record and sitting second in the Western Conference standings.
Gordon underwent an MRI on Saturday, which revealed the severity of the strain. The timing is critical as he had just delivered a stellar performance, scoring a career-high 50 points on opening night against the Golden State Warriors, becoming only the sixth player to achieve this feat in a season opener. His impressive statistics this season include career highs of 18.8 points per game and a remarkable 44.4% shooting from beyond the arc.
This injury marks the second significant absence for the Nuggets, following teammate Christian Braun, who is expected to miss at least six weeks after suffering an ankle sprain on November 12. Gordon had entered Friday’s game already managing bilateral hamstring issues, and this setback raises concerns about his long-term health, especially after he played through a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in last season’s playoffs.
With Gordon out, the Nuggets will lean heavily on their bench as they navigate this challenging period. Peyton Watson, a fourth-year forward, will step up in Gordon’s absence, supported by new additions including Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas. The depth of the roster, bolstered during the offseason, will be put to the test as the Nuggets aim to maintain their strong start to the season.
As the Nuggets gear up for the upcoming games, fans are eager to see how the team adapts without Gordon, who has been a pivotal player in their early success. Stay tuned for more updates on Gordon’s recovery and the team’s performance as they face upcoming challenges.
