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Only one day away from the much anticipated first-round matchup between the no. 6 seed, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the no. 3 seed, Denver Nuggets. This is their third playoff rendezvous in the past four seasons.

While the Western Conference rivals are getting to square off on Saturday at 3:30 P.M. EST, the Nuggets have been dealt with several injuries ahead of the series.

As of April 13, the Nuggets injury report includes seven players. Tim Hardaway Jr., Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, Jamal Murray, Spencer Jones, Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson.

All seven players’ injury statuses state, “Expected to be out until at least Apr 18.”

Although each report leaves the door open for the player to return for the series against the Timberwolves, one player’s injury timeline is expected to surpass several weeks.

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Denver Nuggets Two-Way Player Peyton Watson Could Miss Entire Series Vs. Timberwolves

Denver’s utility player Peyton Watson initially suffered a hamstring injury on February 4, against the New York Knicks. The 23-year-old was out for six weeks.

However, on April 1, Watson re-aggravated the injury and has been day-to-day ever since. Denver Nuggets’ head coach David Adelman spoke to the media during Wednesday’s practice stating that Watson is participating in non-contact drills and is hopeful Watson will play in Game 1.

Contradictory to Adelman statement of hope, DNVR reporter Adam Mares shares that he believes Watson could miss the entire series against the Timberwolves.

“I don’t expect [Peyton Watson] back in the series. I think he’s going to miss the entire thing,” Mares said on The Dane Moore NBA Podcast.

Sports Illustrated writer Jared Koch furthers Mares’ statement by adding that, “In the event that Watson were to miss the entire series against Minnesota, a worst-case scenario could lead to him being out for two weeks if the first-round matchup goes to seven games, and then eyeing a return for Denver in the second round, so long as they advance.”

In a matchup against a team like the Timberwolves, the Nuggets can anticipate the need for Watson’s defensive presence against their multiple heavy offensive threats.  While Nuggets center Nikola Jokic put up career numbers and is a reliable defensive asset, it’s hard to delegate all of the defensive pressure on one player with an opponent like Anthony Edwards.

Although it is uncertain whether or not Watson will return against the Wolves, one thing that is for certain is the need for Watson is at an all-time high and pivotal for the Nuggets success in the playoffs.

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Peyton Watson Had An Impressive 2025-26 Campaign

Before Peyton Watson suffered a hamstring injury on February 4, the 23-year-old was on an absolute tear.

The Nuggets’ leading man, Nikola Jokic went down with an injury on December 29, causing him to miss about 4 weeks. After Jokic’s injury, Watson served himself a valuable utility role on defense and offense.

In the month of January, Watson played in 15 games, averaging 21.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 3.0 assists while shooting 49.0% from the field and an impressive 46.2% from three.

However, following Watson’s hamstring injury before the All-Star break, the young star’s incredible season has since derailed. Watson has only played in five games since he went down in February.