The Nuggets started off Sunday with a loaded injury report, featuring their three top stars, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon. Jokic has been dealing with an illness that caused him to miss two games, but he seems to be fine. Murray left the team’s last game with knee inflammation, but his questionable tag indicates it shouldn’t be a long-term issue.
Gordon is the one who has actually been dealing with a serious injury. He left the team’s Christmas Day game with a calf injury and hasn’t appeared in game action since. The official designation has been a calf strain and this is already the second extended absence of the season due to this injury.
But word had come out earlier in the week that Gordon was ramping up and close to a return. He was upgraded to doubtful on Friday before ultimately being ruled out and was then hit with a questionable tag ahead of Sunday.
Breaking: Aaron Gordon available to make his return on Sunday
Hours before tip-off on Sunday in Dallas, NBA Insider Chris Haynes reported that Gordon would make his return to the lineup. Gordon has missed nine straight games, but will finally be back in action for the Nuggets on Sunday to face the Mavericks.
Sources: Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf strain) intends to make his return today against the Dallas Mavericks after missing the previous nine games. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/eh7lBuGUAB
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 12, 2025
Michael Malone spoke about Gordon after Haynes’ report came out and said that Gordon is still considered questionable, but that he’s “really close”. He also said that if Gordon does play on Sunday he would be on a “real limited minutes restriction”.
Malone also made a point to emphasize that the Nuggets training staff is very afraid of Gordon reaggravating the injury as he’s now missed more than half the team’s games this season due to calf injuries.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone says Aaron Gordon remains questionable to play today.
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) January 12, 2025
If he plays, he will have a major minutes restriction. pic.twitter.com/MY2d2F4Gc8
So, this is a good reminder that while fans are itching to see AG back out there on the court, his longterm health is far more important. Denver is clinging to contender status and that requires their entire team to be healthy and playing well.
One major injury come playoff time would almost certainly derail any title hopes the Nuggets have. They need Gordon back, but they need to make sure he is 100% and do whatever gives him and the Nuggets the best chance at success in May and June.
Hopefully, Gordon is ready to go on Sunday, he’s able to play a few minutes and leave the game feeling good. The last thing anyone wants or needs is some kind of setback because he rushed things. The Nuggets have been treading water without Gordon. If they need to do so for a few more games, so be it.