Sam Amick reported on The Athletic that Aaron Gordon is targeting a return in Friday’s home game against the New York Knicks.
Per Amick, citing a league source close to the veteran forward, Gordon is aiming to play for the first time since re-aggravating his right hamstring on Jan. 23. The Denver Nuggets have not yet granted clearance and are proceeding cautiously after the setback six weeks ago.
The 30-year-old missed 19 games earlier this season with the same injury. He returned for 10 contests before pulling up on a routine rebound against the Milwaukee Bucks and has been sidelined since.
Denver enters Thursday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers at 38-24, fifth in the Western Conference. The club has dropped 11 of its last 20 games while also navigating the extended absence of Peyton Watson, who is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Gordon has appeared in 23 games this season and is averaging 17.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 27.9 minutes. He is shooting 50.9% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range.
His efficiency has complemented Nikola Jokic, who is posting 28.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and 10.3 assists. Gordon’s ability to finish cuts and attack mismatches reduces defensive pressure on Denver’s three-time MVP and creates balance in the half court.
The timing of a potential return carries weight. The postseason is more than a month away, yet the Nuggets are in a tight race with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets in the middle of the West playoff picture.
Friday’s opponent presents another test. New York is 40-22 and third in the Eastern Conference, entering the week on a three-game winning streak.
Denver lost 134-127 in double overtime at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 4.
