Jan 23, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts along side forward Aaron Gordon (32) following a full court basket made in the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Nuggets Coach Announces Injury Update to Key Starter Before Thunder Game 1

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated May 5, 2025 9:22 PM ET

Coming off an electric series win over the LA Clippers, the Denver Nuggets are heading into a huge second-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets just beat the Clippers in Game 7 on Saturday, and now have to face the best team in the NBA just two days later.

One of the main reasons why the Nuggets were able to overcome a 2-1 deficit and take down the Clippers was standout forward Aaron Gordon, who was incredible. In their first-round series, Gordon averaged 18.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, including a game-winning dunk to beat the buzzer in Game 4.

AARON GORDON AT THE BUZZER pic.twitter.com/R44ae1snZu
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 27, 2025

Toward the end of their first-round series, there were some concerns about Gordon's calf injury, but the standout forward played through it and continued to shine. Now, heading into round two, Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman gave an injury update for Gordon.

"It’s the ultimate day-to-day…he’s pushed that thing…he’s taking a chance every time he goes out there and explodes," Adelman said about Gordon's calf. "I mean, how good was he in game 7? All time series from Aaron Gordon."

David Adelman on Aaron Gordon’s calf:

“It’s the ultimate day-to-day…he’s pushed that thing…he’s taking a chance every time he goes out there and explodes. I mean, how good was he in game 7?”

“All time series from Aaron Gordon.”
— Brendan Vogt (@BrendanVogt) May 6, 2025

The Nuggets have been dealing with a few different injuries to key players throughout the playoffs, but Gordon was undoubtedly one of their most important players against the Clippers, and his health against the Thunder in round two is very significant.

The Nuggets and Thunder are set to face off for Game 1 of their highly anticipated series on Monday night at 9:30 p.m. EST in Oklahoma City.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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