UPDATE: Per a Thursday evening report from Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime, Aaron Gordon will NOT play in Game 3 against the Timberwolves due to his calf injury.
The original story continues below.
PF Aaron Gordon is listed as questionable for Thursday’s Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Playoff game at 9:30 p.m. ET.
It’s been a year filled with injuries for the star big man, whose status is now brought front and center as a hot topic with tip-off on the horizon.
Below, we'll break down the latest Aaron Gordon injury update, if Gordon will play tonight, and who to target on PrizePicks if he sits.
Make your NBA Playoff picks on PrizePicks — including ones for Game 3 of Nuggets vs. Timberwolves.
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Aaron Gordon Injury Update: Is Gordon Playing Tonight vs. Timberwolves?
Per the NBA’s official Thursday injury report, Gordon is listed as questionable vs. the Timberwolves with left calf tightness. This is significant, because the veteran forward originally carried a “probable” designation.
Being a model of health and availability hasn’t exactly been Gordon’s strong suit as of late. Last spring, he dealt with ankle and calf injuries that hindered him deep into the regular season before a hamstring issue popped up in the playoffs. This year, he appeared in just 36 regular-season games as hamstring problems persisted.
In those games, Gordon put up 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists a night on 49.7% shooting from the field and a nice 38.9% mark from deep. He missed just four of the Nuggets’ final 19 games prior to the postseason.
A.G. has played in Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference first round thus far, shooting 8-of-19 (42.1%) and bringing down 15 boards.
As Gordon’s progress continues to be monitored, you can make picks on his PrizePicks projections if he does play. Popular Aaron Gordon picks include 14.5 Points, 6 Rebounds, 1.5 3-PT Made, and more.
What Players to Target on PrizePicks if Gordon Is Out?
With Gordon being downgraded, it certainly leads one to entertain the prospect of him missing Game 3 on Thursday. Should that be the case, what would Denver be missing against Minnesota?
The answer is clear. During the regular season, the Nuggets’ offense performed 6.2 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court. When he sat, the defense also worsened by 4.0 points.
If Gordon can’t suit up on Thursday in Minnesota, which Denver players could rise to the occasion? A trio of options immediately comes to mind, headlined by all-world C Nikola Jokic.
According to databallr, when Gordon is off the floor, Jokic’s usage rate spikes by 5.7%. PG Jamal Murray, a first-time All-Star, sees an increase of 2.3%.
It’s fitting that G Bruce Brown, who flies under the radar, may stand out the most. In 1,682 minutes without Gordon this season, he posts a staggering 11.8% better true shooting clip while also averaging 3.0 more points per 75.
Here are the Nuggets players who may benefit most on PrizePicks if Aaron Gordon is out, as well as their stat projections for tonight’s Game 3.
- Nikola Jokic vs. Timberwolves Projections: 29.5 Points / 13.5 Rebounds / 10 Assists
- Jamal Murray vs. Timberwolves Projections: 26.5 Points / 4.5 Rebounds / 3 3-PT Made
- Bruce Brown vs. Timberwolves Projections: 6.5 Points / 2.5 Rebounds (Goblin) / 0.5 3-PT Made
Brown’s uptick is nice, but if Gordon is out, all eyes could be on the Jokic and Murray show in Game 3.
Pick More or Less Nuggets player stats on PrizePicks now before 9:30 p.m.’s tip.
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Make Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Picks on PrizePicks
With hours remaining until tip-off of Denver vs. Minnesota, PF Aaron Gordon is questionable. He’s a downright critical piece for the Nuggets, and his availability could impact player projections for Thursday.
Don't wait — make your Nuggets vs. Timberwolves picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you're right.
Pick players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re correct. With Team Picks, make predictions on winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 35 states.
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