The Denver Nuggets are grappling with a four-game losing streak as they face significant setbacks with player injuries. Recent reports indicate that Peyton Watson, the team’s fourth-leading scorer, has suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain during a double-overtime loss to the New York Knicks. This injury is expected to keep the 23-year-old guard sidelined for an extended period, further complicating the Nuggets’ roster challenges.
Watson has been experiencing a breakout season, contributing an average of 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, along with an impressive 42% shooting from beyond the arc. His absence will be felt keenly, particularly as he had stepped into the starting lineup in place of Aaron Gordon, who is also out due to a strained right hamstring. Gordon is anticipated to be out for at least four to six weeks, limiting his participation to only 20 games this season.
The injury struggles do not stop there, as the Nuggets have been without MVP runner-up Nikola Jokić due to a bone bruise in his left knee for 17 games, while Christian Braun has seen action in just 16 games because of an ankle injury. Additionally, Jonas Valanciunas has missed nearly a month due to a calf strain.
Denver’s head coach, David Adelman, expressed his frustration with the ongoing injuries, stating, “It’s deflating when you keep seeing people go down around you when you’re trying to build towards something.” Despite these challenges, the Nuggets remain in the No. 3 position in the Western Conference with a record of 33-19 as they prepare for a road matchup against the Chicago Bulls.
In light of the injuries, the team opted not to make significant roster additions leading up to the NBA trade deadline, although they exchanged Hunter Tyson and a 2032 second-round pick with the Brooklyn Nets for a less favorable 2026 second-round pick from either the Los Angeles Clippers or the Atlanta Hawks. Denver also converted Spencer Jones’ contract from a two-way to a standard league contract.
As the Nuggets navigate these difficulties, there remains hope that they can rally together and find success despite the injuries, demonstrating resilience as they continue their season.