Nuggets' Michael Malone Gives Worrisome Aaron Gordon Injury Update

Malone mentioned that the team is being cautious with Gordon due to his soft tissue injury. He also mentioned that Gordon will be out the next two games, which is a back-to-back set against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday and Saturday, and that there is also no timetable for his return.

With Gordon suffering the same injury that kept him out earlier this season, this is a bad sign for Denver. The 29-year-old is an important part of their starting lineup and is arguably the team’s best defender.

So far this season, Gordon is averaging 13.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 52.3% from the field and 44.0% from three. With Denver’s roster outside of Nikola Jokić struggling, they cannot afford to have Gordon miss a ton of time as they continue to make a push higher in the West standings.

With Gordon out, expect Russell Westbrook to remain in the starting lineup, which has worked out well for the Nuggets thus far. Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther should also see an increase in minutes and could start some games if Malone decides to tweak the starting lineup.

Despite Denver being fourth in the West, they sit just four games ahead of the Phoenix Suns for the 11th spot, so losing Gordon for another extended period could hurt their chances of a high seed in the playoffs.

Either way, the Nuggets should not rush Gordon back to ensure that he is healthy once the playoffs begin, since he is a huge part of the team’s success.