Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will miss significant time after sustaining a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, sources told Shams Charania on Sunday. Gordon, who is averaging a career-high 18.8 points and shooting 44.4% from three, will be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks.
The injury marks the second key starter out for Denver, joining Christian Braun on the sidelines. Both players have been critical contributors, particularly in the Nuggets’ efficient offensive system led by Nikola Jokic.
Gordon has a history of playing through hamstring injuries, including a Grade 2 left hamstring strain during last season’s Western Conference semifinals against Oklahoma City. He managed bilateral hamstring issues in Friday’s game before the injury forced an extended absence.
Gordon’s absence comes as the Nuggets (12-4) continue a strong start to the 2025-26 season, sitting high in the Western Conference standings. Jokic has been the team’s driving force, averaging 30.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game over 16 contests.
Other notable contributors include Jamal Murray (22.8 points, 6.7 assists) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (11.4 points), who will likely see expanded roles during Gordon’s recovery. Denver’s offense has benefited from its depth, but losing a 50-40-85 shooter in Gordon creates challenges for spacing and three-point efficiency.
Denver’s recent stretch highlights Gordon’s impact. He delivered a career-high 50 points in an October 23 overtime loss at Golden State and has consistently provided scoring balance alongside Jokic and Murray. His ability to stretch the floor and hit threes at 44.4% has been vital to Denver’s high-powered attack.
The Nuggets host Memphis on November 24, followed by San Antonio and Phoenix later this month, providing an early test of their bench depth without Gordon. The front office and medical staff will monitor his progress closely to determine the return timeline, which could extend into mid-December.
Gordon’s elite production this season made him one of seven NBA players averaging 15 points per game while shooting 50-40-85. His absence not only impacts Denver’s scoring but also limits their defensive versatility on the wing, where Gordon has been active with 1.5 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game.
