Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets is not playing in Game 3 of the team’s first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Gordon was ruled out for Game 3, first reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes, then confirmed on the Nuggets’ injury report.
The series between Denver and Minnesota is currently tied 1-1, and heading into a crucial Game 3, the Nuggets will now be without one of their top contributors.
Is Aaron Gordon Playing Tonight? Final Game 3 Injury Update Revealed
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 20: Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets brings the ball down the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during Game Two of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
Gordon is not playing for the Nuggets on Thursday night after he was officially ruled out with left calf tightness.
Gordon has dealt with several major health concerns this season, including a hamstring strain that kept him out for a long stretch.
However, the star forward had played in the first two games of the series for the Nuggets, so it came as a bit of a surprise when he was originally listed on the team’s injury report as ‘probable’ before Game 3.
Gordon was then downgraded to ‘questionable,’ and later officially ruled out before the matchup. Haynes was the first to report the news.
“Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) will not play tonight in Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, league sources tell me,” he wrote on X.
Through the first two games of the series, Gordon has averaged 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 42.1/22.2/70 shooting splits in 33 minutes.
Players like Spencer Jones and Tim Hardaway will step up in his place, but it will be tough for Denver to replace Gordon’s impact as a forward with his size on both offense and defense.
Gordon’s injury status moving forward in the series remains unknown.
Denver Nuggets Vs Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Reports
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 22: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets grabs a rebound against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Along with now playing without Gordon, the Nuggets will also miss Peyton Watson for Game 3. Watson has yet to play in the series, currently dealing with a right hamstring strain.
According to Anthony Slater of ESPN, Watson was seen working out before the Thursday game, and while his status remains unchanged, he could be ramping up for a potential return.
“Peyton Watson getting some court work after Nuggets shootaround this morning in Minnesota,” he wrote in a post on X. “Remains out tonight with a hamstring injury, but Denver hopeful to get him back in this Minnesota series. Swing factor.”
As for the Timberwolves, heading into Game 3, they will also be without a few players. Both Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon were previously listed as questionable due to an illness, but both have since been ruled out.
Additionally, NBA superstar Anthony Edwards was listed as questionable for the entire day in the lead-up to Game 3. However, Edwards has had that same injury status leading up to the two other games, and while he wasn’t upgraded until shortly before the contest, he is available to play.
He has been dealing with this knee injury for over a month, and while he missed much of the final stretch of the regular season due to it, the star does not appear to be fully recovered.
Regardless, Game 3 of the Nuggets vs. Timberwolves series is crucial for both teams. The matchup comes amid a growing ‘beef‘ between the two sides after Jaden McDaniels‘ comments, and will likely bring more fireworks.
Jaden: Go at Jokic, Jamal, all the bad defenders. Tim Hardaway, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, their whole team.”
Q: They’re all bad defenders?
Jaden: “Yeah, they’re all bad defenders.”
Still, Denver being without Gordon due to his calf injury could play a major part in how the series turns, as he won’t play in Game 3, and potentially longer.
Is Aaron Gordon Playing Tonight? Nuggets Announce Final Injury Update Vs Timberwolves