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Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets exits the game due to injury in the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas.
The Denver Nuggets went into their Sunday night game against the Golden State Warriors with Aaron Gordon as a late scratch.
As the day went on, Gordon’s status changed. The veteran forward was dealing with calf tightness.
Nuggets head coach David Adelman addressed Gordon’s absence with an alarming message. While he noted that the setback was “discomfort” and not an injury diagnosis, there is some concern from Denver that Gordon’s issue could become long-term if something goes slightly wrong.
“It’s just too delicate to play him,” Adelman told reporters, via the Denver Post.
“If something happens, even if something small happens, and he’s out for two weeks or whatever it is, that’s a killer with this many games to go. So no reason to (play him). Sometimes I really don’t know (if the injury is serious). Majority of the time, you really do want them to at least try. Go out there and see where their body is at. Today is not one of those times.”
The Denver Nuggets Are Nearing The Postseason
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 05: Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the first quarter of Round Two Game One of the 2025 NBA Playoffs O at Paycom Center on May 05, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Aaron Gordon has already missed 44 games for the Nuggets this year.
Clearly, he was dealt a bad hand in the injury department this season. The Nuggets can’t afford many risks with his availability, as the postseason is nearing. Gordon is too valuable to lose in the playoffs over the Western Conference seeding race.
This year, Gordon has appeared in 32 games. Seeing the court for 27.6 minutes per game, the veteran forward is producing 16.6 points per game, while shooting 50.1% from the field and 39.9% from three.
Beyond his scoring, Gordon is coming down with 5.9 rebounds per game and producing 2.5 assists per game.
GettyAaron Gordon #32 (R) and Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets celebrate a basket during the third quarter of Round Two Game One of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on May 05, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The Nuggets haven’t guaranteed a spot for themselves in the playoffs just yet, but they know they are well on their way to punching their ticket. After winning their sixth game in a row against the Golden State Warriors, Denver improved to 48-28 on the year.
They hold a 2.0-game lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets are also just 1.0 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers, who hold the third seed.
The Nuggets have a break in between games. Following Sunday’s 116-93 win over Golden State, the Nuggets won’t see the court again until April 1. They will pay a visit to the Utah Jazz.
Gordon’s status will be something to keep an eye on when the Nuggets release their injury report on Tuesday evening.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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