The Denver Nuggets are catching a major break ahead of Game 6 — but they may not be at full strength themselves.
The Minnesota Timberwolves will be without two more key players, as Ayo Dosunmu and Kyle Anderson have both been ruled out, deepening an already mounting injury crisis for their opponent.
The update, first reported by ESPN insider Shams Charania, shifts the dynamic of a series that has tightened dramatically.
But Denver is facing its own uncertainty.
Aaron Gordon Status Looms Over Nuggets Before Game 6
Aaron Gordon may not be available for Denver in a pivotal Game 6.
(UPDATE: As of 8:30 p.m. ET, Aaron Gordon has been officially ruled out.)
Speaking on NBA Today, ESPN’s Anthony Slater indicated that Gordon is trending toward sitting out.
“I lean towards doubtful,” Slater said of Gordon’s status. “He was out here on this court yesterday after practice, I would say getting some light shooting in, (but) every time I’ve seen him in this series, it’s been very tentative movement… I just think it’s risky to put him on the floor for his long-term health.”
Slater also pointed to Gordon’s limited involvement in Game 4 as a sign that the injury remains a concern.
Even Nuggets head coach David Adelman suggested the team is preparing for a scenario without him.
Timberwolves Injuries Give Nuggets Clear Opportunity
Minnesota’s situation is even more severe.
Anthony Edwards remains out with a knee injury, while Donte DiVincenzo is sidelined following Achilles surgery.
With Dosunmu and Anderson now ruled out, the Timberwolves are without four key contributors — particularly across the backcourt and wing rotation.
That creates a clear opening for Denver.
Ayo Dosunmu Loss Removes Key Offensive Threat
GettyAyo Dosunmu reacts after a playoff game as the Minnesota Timberwolves add him to the injury report ahead of Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets.
Dosunmu’s absence may be the most impactful.
Over his last five games, the 25-year-old averaged 21.8 points, 4.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 60.9% from the field and 54.5% from three.
He erupted for 43 points in Game 4 and followed with 18 points in Game 5.
Without him, Minnesota loses one of its most efficient scoring options — easing pressure on Denver’s defense.
Kyle Anderson Absence Weakens Timberwolves’ Structure
Anderson’s absence compounds the problem.
While not a primary scorer, he provides playmaking, defensive versatility and lineup stability.
Losing him strips Minnesota of a key connector — particularly important in playoff rotations.
Nuggets Build Momentum Behind Nikola Jokić
Denver enters Game 6 with momentum.
Nikola Jokić delivered a triple-double in Game 5 — 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds — while Jamal Murray added 24 points.
The Nuggets have now won two straight, cutting Minnesota’s series lead to 3-2.
Game 6 Becomes Battle of Depth and Health
Despite Minnesota’s injuries, Denver’s situation is not without risk.
If Gordon is unavailable, the Nuggets lose a key defender and versatile forward who often takes on difficult assignments.
That could impact matchups and rotational flexibility — even against a depleted Timberwolves squad.
Opportunity — With a Catch
The path is there for Denver.
A win forces a Game 7 and completes a dramatic swing in the series.
But with Gordon’s status uncertain, the Nuggets must balance opportunity with their own limitations.
All Eyes on Final Availability
Minnesota is already short-handed.
Denver may soon join them — at least partially.
And in a series that has shifted rapidly, Game 6 could come down to which team better navigates what’s left of its rotation.
UPDATE: Nuggets Get Major Break Before Game 6 — but Aaron Gordon Status Looms