Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson underwent an MRI on Wednesday, December 24, revealing a bone bruise with no structural damage, NBA insider Michael Scotto reported. Johnson had been sidelined due to a right knee hyperextension injury, leaving a key perimeter scoring option out of Denver’s rotation.
Prior to the injury, Johnson averaged 15 points on 50.6 percent shooting from the field and 51.8 percent from three in his last 16 games, highlighting his efficiency as a floor spacer. His absence impacts Denver’s wing rotation alongside Aaron Gordon, who remains out with a right hamstring strain, and Christian Braun, sidelined with a left ankle sprain.
The Nuggets, who hold a 21-8 record, enter Thursday’s Christmas night matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves coming off a narrow 131-130 loss to Dallas. Denver had previously handled Utah 135-112 on December 22.
Minnesota travels to Denver with a 20-10 record and a three-game winning streak, including a 103-100 victory over Milwaukee and a 112-107 win against Oklahoma City. The Timberwolves will monitor the status of Jaden McDaniels, listed as questionable with a left oblique contusion, as his defensive assignments are crucial against Denver’s spacing-heavy offense.
The Timberwolves rely heavily on Anthony Edwards, who averages 28.7 points per game, while Julius Randle contributes 22.6 points and 5.5 assists, providing secondary playmaking.
Despite the absences, Denver continues to center its attack around Nikola Jokic, who averages a triple-double with 28.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 10.9 assists. Jamal Murray complements him with 25.1 points per game, shooting 45.7 percent from beyond the arc.
This game marks the first meeting at Ball Arena between these Western Conference contenders, after Denver swept the Timberwolves in Minneapolis with 127-114 and 123-112 wins earlier this season.
