Report: Nuggets' Peyton Watson to return vs. Trail Blazers

Denver Nuggets swingman Peyton Watson is expected to return for Sunday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers following a 6 1/2-week absence due to a right hamstring injury, ESPN reported on Saturday.

Watson sustained the injury during Denver's 134-127 double-overtime loss to the New York Knicks on Feb. 4.

The emerging star is averaging 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 49 games (39 starts) this season.

Watson, 23, has contributed 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in 220 career games (63 starts) since being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 30th overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft. He promptly was traded to the Nuggets in a draft-night deal.