Aaron Gordon’s injury status has become a pivotal question for the Denver Nuggets’ season. With the team struggling and key players sidelined, coach David Adelman has hinted that a play-in tournament berth might be the best-case scenario if Gordon remains unavailable. The Nuggets’ recent 10-10 record in their last 20 games underscores the team’s reliance on Gordon, whose absence has left them 22-18 without him. Gordon’s hamstring injuries have plagued him all season, forcing him to miss 40 games and leaving only 19 remaining. His return is seen as critical to the Nuggets’ playoff hopes, as the team has struggled to find cohesion without him. When Gordon has played, the Nuggets have posted a strong 17-6 record, highlighting his role as a versatile defender and offensive threat. His ability to guard multiple positions and create opportunities for Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. has been instrumental in the team’s success. Despite his importance, Gordon’s health remains uncertain. He has dealt with six soft-tissue injuries over the past two seasons, and he attributes some of his setbacks to unresolved grief over his brother’s passing. While recent practice sessions showed promise, his absence for Thursday’s game served as a reminder of the fragility of his recovery. Adelman acknowledged the delicate balance between keeping Gordon healthy enough for the postseason and ensuring the team can compete in the play-in tournament. The Nuggets’ situation is dire. With a tough schedule remaining, they face an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot. Even if Gordon returns, the team’s depth is limited, and they’ll need to rely on players like Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson to step up.#denver_nuggets #nikola_jokic #david_adelman #aaron_gordon #play_in_tournament
