February has not been great for the Denver Nuggets, as they have gone 4–5, largely due to injuries to key players. Nikola Jokic has missed a significant number of games and returned on Jan. 30, while Aaron Gordon has been out since January 23 after being diagnosed with a left hamstring injury.
Things got even worse when Peyton Watson, who was having a breakout season, went down with a hamstring injury on Feb. 4.
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The Nuggets’ current record looks good despite the absence of several main rotation players, but a stacked Western Conference means every game matters. They are fourth in the standings but are only one game ahead of the No. 5 Los Angeles Lakers and the No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon motivates Peyton Watson during a game.Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
(Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
Reinforcements are needed, but when will they arrive? Coach David Adelman provided an encouraging update on Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson through reporter Ryan Blackburn of Mile High Sports.
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Adelman added that Gordon’s recovery is being closely monitored and that the team’s goal is to make him as comfortable as possible.
“Aaron’s been great. He’s understood the process. And I think you all understand how frustrating this has been for him. He sees us losing games that he could be a part of,” he said.
“He sees us winning games that were completely joyful like Portland where everything went our way, and he’s not a part of either. So, he understands the process. He also understands how important he is to this group, and how he completes us. But we have to make sure he’s right.”
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Gordon is part of the core that led the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA Finals, alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and guard Jamal Murray. He signed a four–year, $133 million extension in 2024 and lived up to the contract through clutch plays in the 2025 playoffs, although they came up short against eventual champions Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
Related: Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Reacts to NBA Narrative About His Attitude
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.