The Denver Nuggets are officially in playoff mode. Heading into Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets could potentially get a key reserve back in the mix.
According to the official injury report, Denver’s sophomore forward Spencer Jones is listed as questionable due to a hamstring strain. That’s a positive upgrade, considering he hadn’t played in weeks before the season finale last Sunday.
As for the rest of the injury report, the Nuggets made the early call on Peyton Watson. The young star was ruled out due to a right hamstring strain.
via Nuggets on X: Injury Report ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Timberwolves:
QUESTIONABLE:
Spencer Jones (Right Hamstring Strain)
OUT:
Peyton Watson (Right Hamstring Strain)
When Was The Last Time Spencer Jones Played?
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 01: Spencer Jones #21 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on January 01, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The 24-year-old second-year forward last played against the Golden State Warriors on March 29.
At the time, Jones checked in for just six minutes off the bench. He left the game with a hamstring concern, and it wasn’t long before he was ruled out. Fortunately, the Nuggets defeated the Warriors 116-93 while shorthanded.
Since then, Jones stuck to the injury report. He went on to miss the final six games of the regular season. Earlier this week, Nuggets head coach David Adelman confirmed that Jones has been involved in practice, but his participation has been limited. He still had some hurdles to clear before getting upgraded to available.
The Nuggets Are Gearing Up For Game 1
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Guard Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket past guard center Nikola Jokic #15 and forward Spencer Jones #21 of the Denver Nuggets during the first half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Nuggets and the Timberwolves are set to meet for Game 1 in Colorado at 3:30 PM ET on Saturday.
The rivalry continues with it’s fifth meeting between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves this season. While the first round was shaping up to be Minnesota-Denver, many pointed to the fact that the Timberwolves swept the Nuggets last year as a reason why Denver might be in a bad spot.
However, the Nuggets won three out of four games against the Timberwolves this year. The only loss came on March 1, when the Timberwolves took care of business with a 117-108 win.
The slate is cleared for Saturday, and the Nuggets could get some additional help with the return of their second-year reserve.
This season, Jones has averaged 22 minutes off the bench in 64 games. He posted averages of 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and nearly 1.0 blocks.