Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson returned from a hamstring injury on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Watson contributed in a 128-112 win, as he scored 14 points and added six rebounds and three assists. Watson will not play on Tuesday, though, as he has been ruled out with what the team is calling right hamstring injury management, per the NBA injury report.
Watson missed more than six weeks with the injury. Denver is certainly going to be cautious. The team is looking toward the playoffs, and they know that having Watson healthy and available will only help a potential NBA Finals run.
Denver currently holds a 44-28 overall record. The Nuggets are in fifth place in the Western Conference, but they are hoping to move up in the standings before the regular season comes to an end.
Nevertheless, the Nuggets will continue to proceed with caution when it comes to Watson's status. It is worth mentioning that he is the only player listed on Denver's injury report for Tuesday night's matchup as of this story's publication.
Peyton Watson Out vs. Suns
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (8) looks on during a game. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Watson, 23, has appeared in 50 games this season, starting 39 total contests. He was in the middle of a strong campaign before suffering the injury. Overall, he is averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per outing. Watson has shot 49.5 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from behind the three-point line as well.
Watson has displayed potential in the past. It seems as if he has figured it all out this year, though. The injury obviously provided an obstacle, but he picked up where he left off on Sunday.
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are the best players on the roster. They are going to continue to lead the way. As the Nuggets certainly know from their 2023 championship run, however, depth is of the utmost importance. Players such as Watson can save a game in the postseason.
The Nuggets and Suns will go head-to-head in Phoenix on Tuesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 11 PM EST. It should be a competitive affair, as the Suns are 40-32 overall. They are in seventh place in the Western Conference standings as a result.
The Nuggets will attempt to defeat the Suns on the road in Phoenix despite playing without Peyton Watson.
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