Denver Nuggets Injury Report: Massive Aaron Gordon Update as Five Players Listed vs. Rockets (Nov. 21)

A second-versus-third blockbuster headlines Friday’s NBA Cup matchup when the Denver Nuggets lock horns with the Houston Rockets. Both teams will enter this game confident of their ability to beat the other. A major talking point ahead of the game is the availability of Aaron Gordon. The 6-foot-8 forward was absent from the Nuggets’ 125-118 win over the Pelicans on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury.

Gordon is expected to make his return for the marquee game. He’s listed as probable, and barring any late setback, should be available to suit up.

Last season, he missed 31 regular-season games, and almost all of those absences were calf and hamstring related. Things have been very different this season, with the San Jose native featuring in 12 of the first 14 games and making the starting lineup in all 12 of those appearances.

With the Nuggets second place in the Western Conference, they’ll need Aaron Gordon healthy if they want to contain the Rockets’ offense, spearheaded by Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun. They are 11-3 and sit just a game ahead of the Rockets, who are nipping at their heels in third place.

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Guard Julian Strawther continues to be monitored after sustaining a lower back strain during the Nuggets’ victory over the Timberwolves on Nov. 16. He will miss a third straight game, bringing his total to seven missed games this season. His next chance to return will be Saturday against the Kings.

He will join Christian Braun, Curtis Jones, DaRon Holmes II, and Tamar Bates as all being out due to injury for the game against the Rockets.

How to Watch Denver Nuggets vs. Houston Rockets

The Nuggets vs. Rockets game will be exclusively televised on Amazon Prime on Friday. Fans can also stream the contest online via NBA League Pass. The game will tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center in Houston.

In Group C, all five teams currently hold a 1-1 record, but the Nuggets and Rockets lead the group in point differential. Both teams will be aiming for the win to claim the top spot.

Edited by Mervin LR