Through two games, the Nuggets—Clippers playoff series looks like one of the most evenly matched we’ve seen in a long time. The Clippers led for much of game one, but Denver fought back for a two-point overtime win. Then in game two, the Nuggets appeared to be in control for much of the night before LA snatched the three-point victory away in the closing seconds.
The margins are so slim on both sides, and these teams need to get the most out of every player in their rotation to triumph. One bad five-minute stint in the first half could easily swing a game that hinges on every single possession, and we’ve already seen that play out.
The Nuggets, especially, are up against it when it comes to depth. They’ve been skating by while basically relying on six players, the five starters, and Russell Westbrook. The stars are completely overtaxed, and the bench players are largely underused. David Adelman’s circle of trust is very small right now, and the team can’t afford any dropoff.
MPJ dealing with shoulder sprain ahead of game 3
But now, the status of one of Denver’s starters is in question. In the final minutes of game two, after playing an excellent two-way game and bouncing back from a disastrous game one, Michael Porter Jr. dove on the floor for a loose ball and injured his shoulder in the process.
MPJ stayed down for several moments, but remained in the game momentarily before coming out for the final seconds. After the game, he said he has a “joint sprain” in his shoulder and that it’s “nothing too serious”.
Still, that’s not exactly great news, especially for someone whose most important skill is shooting. If his shoulder is compromised in any way, and Mike is less than 100%, that’s terrible news for the Nuggets.
Porter Jr. officially listed as questionable for game 3
David Adelman said he is “very optimistic” that Porter Jr. will be able to play in game 3, but he’s officially been listed as questionable. Even if he plays, it seems almost certain he will be compromised, which is terrible for Denver.
David Adelman is “very optimistic” Michael Porter Jr. will be available for Game 3. Credits MPJ’s toughness and willingness to play through pain.
— Vinny Benedetto (@VBenedetto) April 23, 2025
They need to lighten the load from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, and they could really use MPJ stepping up and carrying some of the scoring load. We saw in game one, when Mike didn’t have it, the team became incredibly reliant on Westbrook. They got lucky and stole the game, but they don’t want to make a habit out of that.
Hopefully, the shoulder situation isn’t as bad as it seems, and the questionable listing is a mere formality. But at this point in the playoffs, any injury to a Nuggets rotation player spells big, big trouble.