Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon Out 4-6 Weeks with Hamstring Injury

UPDATE: Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is facing a significant setback as he has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, with a recovery timeline of 4-6 weeks, sources confirmed to ESPN on Sunday. This injury occurred during Friday’s road victory over the Houston Rockets, where Gordon showcased his talent prior to the injury.

An MRI conducted on Saturday revealed the severity of the strain, marking a critical blow to the Nuggets, who are already dealing with injuries to key players. Gordon joins teammate Christian Braun, who is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks following an ankle sprain sustained on November 12, 2023.

In a remarkable start to the season, Gordon scored a career-high 50 points on opening night against the Golden State Warriors, joining an elite group of players who have achieved such a feat in a season opener. Currently, he is averaging a personal best of 18.8 points per game, along with a stellar 44.4% shooting from beyond the arc, making him one of only seven players in the league to hit the 50-40-85 shooting benchmark.

Despite entering Friday’s game with ongoing bilateral hamstring issues, Gordon’s injury now puts pressure on the Nuggets’ roster depth, which has already been tested this season. Last year, he played through a similar injury during the Western Conference semifinals.

The Nuggets have bolstered their roster in the offseason, now turning to fourth-year forward Peyton Watson to help fill the void left by Gordon. Key additions to the lineup, including Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas, will also be vital during this challenging stretch.

As of now, the Nuggets hold a record of 12-4 and sit in second place in the Western Conference, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder, who lead with a remarkable 16-1 record.

Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the Nuggets navigate this injury crisis. The immediate future will reveal how effectively the team can adapt without two of its starters. Stay tuned for updates as Gordon’s condition is reevaluated in the coming weeks.