Peyton Watson Diagnosed With Grade 2 Hamstring Strain

It’s a tough blow for both Watson, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, and the Nuggets, who have dealt with several injuries to key rotation players throughout the 2025/26 season.

Watson suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s loss at New York. Head coach David Adelman indicated Watson would be undergoing an MRI, which reportedly revealed the Grade 2 strain.

“Waiting to see the MRI,” Adelman said after the game. “But just seeing so much of this this year. I just feel bad for the guys in the locker room. It’s deflating when you keep seeing people go down around you when you’re trying to build towards something.”

Watson was in the midst of a breakout fourth season for Denver, averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steal on .496/.417/.727 shooting in 49 appearances (30.7 minutes per game). The 23-year-old wing has been particularly effective since the start of January, averaging 21.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.6 BPG and 1.1 SPG on .486/.457/.711 shooting in 18 outings (36.1 MPG).

Watson is now the second Nuggets forward recovering from a hamstring stain, as Aaron Gordon is out several weeks after aggravating a hamstring injury on his right leg. Cameron Johnson (right knee bone bruise) remains out as well — he last played on December 23.

Nikola Jokic (knee), Christian Braun (left ankle sprain) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf strain) all missed extended time this season as well, though they’re all active now.