Denver Nuggets F Aaron Gordon is currently listed as questionable for Thursday’s Nuggets vs. Timberwolves NBA playoff game at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Gordon is dealing with calf tightness after missing Game 5 on Monday. If Gordon can’t make his return to the court, which Nuggets players’ PrizePicks projections could be impacted as a result?
Below, we’ll dive into the latest Aaron Gordon injury update, if Gordon will play tonight, and who to target on PrizePicks if he ends up continuing to sit out.
Make your NBA Playoff picks on PrizePicks — including ones for Game 6 of Nuggets vs. Timberwolves.
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Aaron Gordon Injury Update: Is Gordon Playing Tonight vs. Timberwolves?
Gordon is officially listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Timberwolves, according to the NBA injury report.
The Nuggets forward has been dealing with tightness in his left calf throughout the opening-round series and sat out Game 5. Gordon also missed Game 3, but has carried a questionable for most of this series.
Earlier this week, Nuggets head coach David Adelman stated that he had “no idea” if Gordon or F Peyton Watson could return for Game 6, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater. Watson has already been ruled out, while Gordon continues to be listed as questionable.
The Nuggets did have an extra off day since Game 5, but Gordon appears to be a game-time decision on Thursday.
With Gordon’s status being monitored, you can make picks on his PrizePicks projections if he does play. Popular Aaron Gordon picks include 11.5 points, 16.5 Pts+Rebs, and 4.5 rebounds for Thursday night.
What Players to Target on PrizePicks if Gordon Is Out?
The injury bug certainly hindered the Nuggets throughout the regular season, and it’s become a common theme yet again during the NBA playoffs.
Gordon is a wing that provides a ton of athleticism both inside and on the perimeter. Over three games in the opening-round series, the Nuggets' F has averaged 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game but has struggled to shoot the ball with a 21.4% 3-point percentage in the series.
While Gordon may not be Denver’s top scoring option, he is still able to fill up the stat sheet and can make his living above the rim on the offensive end. He also provides the Nuggets with an additional ball handler, as he spends 20.3% of his time on the court with the ball (94th percentile), per databallr.
If Gordon can’t suit up in Game 6, a trio of Denver players could thrive in his absence. C Nikola Jokic sees his 3-point shooting percentage increase by +6.1% when Gordon isn’t on the floor. Denver SG Christian Braun’s 3-point shooting percentage spikes by +7.0% in Gordon-less minutes. In addition, Nuggets G Jamal Murray thrives when Gordon is off the court, as his usage increases by +2.3%.
Here are the Nuggets players who may benefit most on PrizePicks if Gordon is out, as well as their stat projections for Thursday.
- C Nikola Jokic — 29.5 Points / 54.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts / 1.5 3PTM
- SG Christian Braun — 10.5 Points / 4.5 Rebs / 24 Fantasy Score
- G Jamal Murray — 26.5 Points / 33.5 Pts+Asts / 6.5 Assists
Given his success without Gordon, Braun could be the player worth keeping tabs on leading up to Thursday’s game.
Pick More or Less Nuggets player stats on PrizePicks now before the 9:30 p.m. ET tip.
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Make Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Picks on PrizePicks
Gordon is questionable leading up to Game 6 and would be a massive addition to the lineup if he’s able to play on Thursday. If Gordon can’t go, Braun could become valuable for projections on PrizePicks.
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