Aaron Gordon Injury Leaves Nuggets Questionable for Game 6

Aaron Gordon injury leaves Denver uncertain for Game 6 after he was listed as questionable on Wednesday. He missed Games 3 and 5 with left calf tightness, and the Nuggets are trying to hold a 3-2 series lead with tipoff set for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. MT.

Gordon’s Game 6 status

Gordon’s latest availability note came after a light practice at Target Center. David Adelman said, "Everybody knows Aaron wants to play," then added, "The guy’s the ultimate teammate."

He also said, "He’s been so good for us over the years." Then came the line that frames Denver’s decision: "But we have to do what’s right for him and the team."

Gordon’s calf issue started after a Game 2 loss. He sat out Game 3, returned for Game 4 and was visibly struggling in 23 minutes, finishing with nine points, one rebound and 4-for-11 shooting before missing Game 5.

Denver’s rotation shift

Spencer Jones started in Gordon’s place in Game 5 and delivered 20 points, three rebounds and three blocks in Denver’s 125-113 win. The Nuggets did not get the same lineup look they have used with Gordon, but they did leave Minneapolis with a chance to close the series.

Adelman said the problem went beyond missed scoring. "So I’m not a doctor. I’m not a trainer. But obviously, you guys could see it. I could see it. There is a point where it’s not good for him; it’s not good for the team."

Timberwolves injury watch

Denver is not the only team waiting on bodies. Peyton Watson remained out because of a right hamstring issue, and Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland was listed as questionable for Game 6 with knee soreness.

If Gordon can go, Denver gets a player who has been central to its spacing and defense. If he cannot, Jones is the clearest option to stay in the starting group as the Nuggets try to finish a first-round series that has already forced them to manage one major absence and one significant in-game limitation.