The Denver Nuggets may be without a key starter in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, as Michael Porter Jr. is listed as questionable due to a left shoulder sprain.
Porter appeared on Thursday’s injury report, raising concerns for Denver just hours before tip-off at Intuit Dome.
The 26-year-old forward is coming off a strong bounce-back showing in Game 2, where he registered 15 points and 15 rebounds in 33 minutes despite the 105-102 home loss.
In Game 1, Porter struggled to make an impact, finishing with just 3 points on 1-of-4 shooting in 26 minutes as the Nuggets narrowly escaped with a 112-110 overtime victory.
Through two games, he is averaging 9.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and shooting 46.7% from the field, though his availability tonight remains in doubt.
Denver’s injury report also includes rookie DaRon Holmes II, who remains out after undergoing surgery to repair his right Achilles tendon earlier in the season.
Denver enters Thursday’s contest having dropped homecourt advantage after Kawhi Leonard erupted for 39 points on 15-of-19 shooting to even the series.
Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double in Game 2 with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists but committed seven turnovers and missed critical free throws down the stretch.
Jamal Murray contributed 23 points, while Christian Braun missed a potential game-tying three in the final seconds.
