The Denver Nuggets are on the road on Sunday afternoon as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in a win-or-go-home Game 7.
Denver was able to extend the series with a victory at home in Game 6 and they will now try to steal another win on the road to secure their spot in the Western Conference Finals.
Of course, that will be easier said than done with the Thunder’s dominance at home this season along with the Nuggets receiving an unfortunate update ahead of tipoff regarding Aaron Gordon’s injury.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Gordon has suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain that will need several weeks to recover.
This is a massive blow for the Nuggets as they will likely be without Gordon in Sunday’s game and if they are able to advance to the Western Conference Finals, he could be in line to miss the entire series.
Of course, Gordon suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter of Game 6 on Thursday night and he also dealt with a hamstring injury during the regular season that kept him out for multiple games.
Gordon has played a major role in the Nuggets’ success this season, especially during their playoff run.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32)
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32)
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
During the playoffs, the 29-year-old forward is averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range.
He has also knocked down two game-winning shots this postseason for Denver including hitting the game-winning three-pointer to cap off a comeback in Game 1 of their series against the Thunder.
With Gordon likely missing Sunday’s game, expect Russell Westbrook, Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther to all have a larger role and Denver will also rely heavily on Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Jamal Murray (27)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Jamal Murray (27)
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Fans can catch Sunday’s Game 7 matchup between the Nuggets and Thunder at 3:30 p.m. EST on ABC.