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Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets have been out due to injuries.
The Denver Nuggets received a critical boost just before tipoff in Game 4, with Aaron Gordon officially cleared to play and inserted into the starting lineup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Gordon, who had been dealing with a calf injury and missed Game 3, will start alongside Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, and Nikola Jokic as Denver looks to even the first-round Western Conference playoff series.
The update comes after pregame uncertainty surrounding Gordon’s status, with the forward warming up and testing the calf prior to the final decision.
Gordon’s availability represents a significant development for the Nuggets, who struggled without him in Thursday’s 113-96 loss.
Coach David Adelman had indicated the team would take a cautious approach.
“If he plays, we’ll see how it goes,” Adelman said before the game, noting that any limitations would depend on how Gordon’s calf responds in real time.
Here’s David Adelman fielding questions on Aaron Gordon’s availability for Game 4 this evening.
“If he plays, we’ll have to just see how it goes… I just passed him in the hall, so he’s getting himself ready to play. But anything can happen in the next hour.”
Even in limited capacity, Gordon’s presence restores a key element to Denver’s frontcourt — particularly his defensive versatility and ability to match Minnesota’s physical style.
In the series, Gordon has averaged 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in two games against the Timberwolves, underscoring his impact on both ends of the floor.
Denver’s confirmed starting lineup:
G Jamal Murray
G Christian Braun
F Cam Johnson
F Aaron Gordon
C Nikola Jokic
The return to a more balanced starting group is expected to help stabilize both ends of the floor after the Game 3 disruption.
Without Gordon, the Nuggets were overwhelmed physically.
Minnesota dominated the paint, outscoring Denver 68-34 while building a 27-point lead in the third quarter of a 113-96 win.
Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Ayo Dosunmu added 25 points and nine assists off the bench.
Gordon’s absence was particularly evident on defense, where Denver struggled to contain dribble penetration and interior scoring.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic posted 27 points and 15 rebounds in Game 3 but shot just 7-for-26 from the field.
Jamal Murray added 16 points on 5-for-17 shooting as the Nuggets’ offense failed to find rhythm.
Denver has connected on just 30% of its three-point attempts in the series (33-for-109), a steep drop from its regular-season efficiency.
“The shooting really put us behind the 8-ball,” Adelman said. “Our physicality offensively has got to get better.”
Trailing 2-1 in the series, the Nuggets face a pivotal moment.
Minnesota has controlled tempo and dictated physicality, preventing Denver from settling into its half-court sets.
“They’re kind of pushing the pace, playing faster,” Jokic said. “Don’t let us set our defense, and then just driving the ball and trying to be aggressive.”
Gordon’s return gives Denver a chance to reset defensively and regain balance — but how effective he can be on a recovering calf remains a key question.
With little margin for error, the Nuggets will be counting on Gordon to provide an immediate impact as they attempt to even the series.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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