Denver Nuggets will miss starting wing Aaron Gordon for Game 3 in Minneapolis because of calf tightness.
The Denver Nuggets will be without starting forward Aaron Gordon for Game 3 in Minneapolis on Thursday night due to calf tightness. Gordon was initially considered probable but was later downgraded to questionable before being ruled out.
This development is a significant blow to the Nuggets as they face the challenge of playing without one of their key starters. The calf issue first appeared after the Nuggets' 119-114 loss in Game 2 at home, and the coaching staff had hoped the two-day break would allow Gordon to recover in time for Game 3.
However, the tightness in his calf did not improve as expected by Thursday morning, prompting the decision to rule him out. Nuggets coach David Adelman confirmed that Gordon will receive treatment on the calf later that night.
Gordon's absence is not an isolated incident, as he has missed a total of 46 games this season primarily due to repeated hamstring strains. His recurring absences have been a significant issue for the Nuggets, and the team will need to find ways to adjust their lineup and strategy for Game 3 without him.
The team's ability to overcome this setback will be crucial as the series heads into its next phase.
The Nuggets are also dealing with another injury to their wing, as Peyton Watson is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Watson participated in a light workout on the court in Minneapolis after Thursday morning's shootaround, giving the Nuggets hope that he might return for the series.
The team is closely monitoring both Gordon's and Watson's conditions as they prepare for Saturday's potential Game 4. The series is currently tied at one win apiece, and the Nuggets will need to find a way to win Game 3 without Gordon.
The team will hold a meeting on Friday to discuss Gordon's condition ahead of Game 4 on Saturday night. The Nuggets will have to adjust their strategy and lineup to compensate for Gordon's absence and try to take the lead in the series.