Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon, Nuggets
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Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets watch from the bench.
The Denver Nuggets made a key decision regarding Aaron Gordon ahead of their matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies, opting to rest the veteran forward on the second night of a back-to-back as he continues to manage a recent hamstring injury.
Gordon will not suit up on Wednesday, marking another cautious step in his return after missing more than a month with the injury. The Nuggets have prioritized long-term health for one of their most versatile players, particularly as the postseason approaches.
Nuggets Rest Aaron Gordon vs. Grizzlies on Back-to-Back
The decision comes one night after Denver’s dominant 124-96 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, where Gordon logged 19 minutes and delivered an efficient performance.
He finished with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal while shooting 50 percent from the field. Gordon also posted a plus-17 rating, reinforcing his impact even in limited action.
The Nuggets have taken a cautious approach with Gordon’s workload since his return, ensuring he avoids unnecessary strain on the hamstring that previously forced him to miss 17 games.
David Adelman Sends Clear Message on Aaron Gordon Injury Management
Interim head coach David Adelman made it clear that Gordon’s health remains the top priority, even if it means sitting him out of key matchups.
“I have no idea,” Adelman said when asked pregame about Gordon’s availability. “We’ll talk about it. Obviously, if my vote was the only vote, he’d play. But there’s a lot to it.”
Adelman pointed to the emotional and physical toll of Gordon’s previous setback as a major factor in the decision-making process.
“His body, and again, the frustration and the pure disappointment of when he got hurt in Milwaukee, is still in the back of my mind,” Adelman said. “That’s what we’re trying to do here, is get him to the finish line.”
Gordon Showing Strong Form Since Return From Hamstring Injury
Despite the cautious approach, Gordon has shown encouraging signs since returning to the lineup.
In five games back, he is averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting an efficient 40.9 percent from three-point range on more than four attempts per game.
His most impressive outing came in a 127-125 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, where Gordon erupted for 27 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added five rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 35 minutes.
Gordon has scored at least 23 points in two of his first four games back, a strong indicator that his offensive rhythm is returning after the extended absence.
Gordon’s Versatility Remains Key for Denver’s Rotation
Beyond scoring, Gordon’s value lies in his versatility—something Adelman emphasized following Denver’s recent win.
“He’s so impactful. It’s amazing,” Adelman said. “The way he creates spacing for us at the rim. Defensively, guarding all these positions… he provides so many things you can do as a team with his versatility.”
Denver has experimented with different lineup combinations involving Gordon, including using him as both a starting forward and a small-ball option alongside bench units.
“It’s been good. Nothing replaces repetition,” Adelman added. “Just having Aaron’s minutes has been good for us.”
Nuggets Managing Gordon’s Minutes Ahead of Playoff Push
With Gordon sidelined against Memphis, players like Spencer Jones are expected to see increased minutes as the Nuggets adjust their rotation.
The team remains optimistic that Gordon will return to action Friday against the Toronto Raptors, continuing his gradual ramp-up ahead of the postseason.
For Denver, the strategy is clear: preserve one of its most important two-way players for when it matters most.
As the playoffs approach, the Nuggets are betting that a fully healthy Gordon—rather than a fatigued one in March—will be the difference-maker in their championship pursuit.