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Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets is currently nursing his second hamstring injury of the season.
The Denver Nuggets received a timely boost ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors, as forward Aaron Gordon is no longer listed on the injury report following recent hamstring management.
Gordon sat out Wednesday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on the second night of a back-to-back, a planned precaution as the team continues to carefully monitor his recovery. His removal from the injury report signals a return to full availability as Denver looks to regain momentum in a tightly contested Western Conference race.
Nuggets Look to Bounce Back After Costly Loss
Denver enters Friday’s contest after a 125-118 defeat to Memphis, a game that exposed some of the challenges of managing a depleted rotation. The Nuggets committed 19 turnovers and struggled to contain a Grizzlies team that snapped an eight-game losing streak.
Despite the loss, Nikola Jokić delivered another near triple-double with 29 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists, though he also committed 10 turnovers. Jamal Murray added 19 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds, while Christian Braun scored 26 points and Cameron Johnson contributed 20.
Still, the absence of Gordon — one of Denver’s most versatile two-way players — was felt, particularly on the defensive end and in transition. The loss dropped the Nuggets to 42-28, leaving them in a tightly packed race for playoff positioning in the West.
Gordon’s Return Stabilizes Nuggets’ Rotation
Gordon’s availability provides a much-needed stabilizing force for Denver. Since returning from a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury, the veteran forward has gradually worked his way back into form while the coaching staff carefully manages his workload.
In limited action since his return, Gordon has averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting efficiently, including strong production from beyond the arc. His ability to guard multiple positions, finish at the rim and create spacing remains central to the Nuggets’ system.
Nuggets coach David Adelman has consistently emphasized Gordon’s importance, particularly as the team prepares for the postseason.
“He’s so impactful,” Adelman said recently. “The way he creates spacing for us at the rim, defensively guarding all these positions — he provides so many things you can do as a team with his versatility.”
That versatility becomes even more critical against a Raptors squad that thrives on length and defensive pressure.
Strategic Caution Paying Off for Denver
Denver’s decision to sit Gordon on the back-to-back appears to be part of a broader strategy to ensure he is fully healthy for the stretch run. The team has taken a cautious approach since his return, avoiding unnecessary risk after he previously missed extended time with the same injury.
That patience now appears to be paying off, with Gordon cleared for action and no longer carrying an injury designation.
The Nuggets have made it clear that their priority is long-term readiness rather than short-term availability. As Adelman previously noted, the goal is to “get him to the finish line” healthy — a philosophy that has guided the team’s handling of Gordon in recent weeks.
Nuggets’ Playoff Positioning Adds Urgency
Friday’s game carries added significance for Denver, which remains locked in a tight battle in the Western Conference standings. The Nuggets sit just one game behind Minnesota and just 2.5-games ahead of the seventh-place Phoenix Suns, with little margin for error as the regular season winds down.
Having Gordon back in the lineup restores a key piece of Denver’s championship core alongside Jokić and Murray. His presence not only strengthens the starting unit but also allows for greater lineup flexibility, including small-ball configurations that have proven effective in high-leverage moments.
Against Toronto, Gordon’s defensive versatility and physicality could play a major role in controlling tempo and limiting second-chance opportunities.
For Denver, the equation is simple: a healthy Gordon elevates both ends of the floor.
And with the playoffs fast approaching, Friday’s return may be less about one game — and more about ensuring the Nuggets are whole when it matters most.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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