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Gordon Out: Nuggets' Playoff Hopes Dim
28 Apr
Summary
- Aaron Gordon ruled out of crucial Game 5 with calf tightness.
- Gordon missed 46 regular season games due to prior injuries.
- Nuggets had a significantly better record with Gordon playing.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will not play in the pivotal Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to left calf tightness. This latest injury continues a difficult 2025-26 season for Gordon, who previously missed over a month for each of two hamstring strains during the regular season.
Gordon's health is critical for the Nuggets' playoff aspirations. The team holds a significantly better regular season record with him playing (.750) compared to when he sat (.587). His absence in the current series, where he has been far from full strength, has coincided with the Nuggets' struggles, leaving them on the brink of elimination.
Despite averaging 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in limited action this season, Gordon's two-way versatility is irreplaceable. The team will rely on players like Spencer Jones, Zeke Nnaji, and Jonas Valanciunas to fill the void. His sidelined status for Game 5, while detrimental to immediate playoff hopes, prioritizes his long-term health, potentially increasing his availability for future games should the Nuggets advance.
