The Denver Nuggets have managed to stay firmly in the Western Conference mix despite some key injuries, holding a 31-16 record and sitting just a game out of second place. That’s no small feat, especially considering they’ve been navigating stretches without their MVP centerpiece, Nikola Jokic. But now, the injury bug has struck again-this time sidelining another crucial piece of Denver’s core: Aaron Gordon.
On Thursday, the Nuggets received a tough update on Gordon’s status. He’ll be re-evaluated in four to six weeks after re-aggravating a right hamstring strain-the same injury that first sidelined him back in late November.
This isn’t just a one-off setback. It’s the second time this season Gordon has dealt with this exact issue, and it’s starting to feel like a pattern the Nuggets can’t ignore.
Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky-one wrong step, one sudden burst, and you're right back on the shelf. For a player like Gordon, whose game thrives on athleticism, lateral movement, and defensive versatility, that’s a big concern.
And if Nuggets fans are feeling a little déjà vu, they’re not wrong. Last postseason, a hamstring strain also limited Gordon in Game 7 of Denver’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s a moment many still point to as a turning point-had Gordon been fully healthy, the outcome might have looked very different.
So here we are again, with Denver looking to hold steady while another key piece works his way back. The good news?
The Nuggets have shown they can weather storms. Jokic has missed time, and they’ve still found ways to win.
Now, it’s about managing Gordon’s recovery smartly, with the long game in mind. Because while regular-season wins matter, this team has its eyes on something bigger-and they’ll need a healthy Gordon to make another deep playoff run.
In the meantime, the Nuggets are set to host the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night-a game that also marks Michael Porter Jr.’s return against his former team. It’s another test for a Denver squad that’s proven it can adapt. But make no mistake: keeping Gordon healthy for the stretch run is now one of the top priorities in the Mile High City.