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Aaron Gordon’s status remains uncertain as the Nuggets face a do-or-die Game 5 against the Timberwolves.

The Denver Nuggets are facing a must-win Game 5 — and their outlook may hinge on the status of Aaron Gordon just hours before tipoff.

With the season on the line, Denver is still waiting for clarity.

Aaron Gordon Status Unclear Ahead of Game 5 vs Timberwolves

According to Denver Gazette reporter Vinny Benedetto, the Nuggets will not have a final answer on Gordon until shortly before game time.

“Aaron Gordon will go through pre-game routine before a determination is made,” Benedetto reported less than two hours before tipoff.

That uncertainty adds another layer of pressure for a Denver team already trailing 3-1 in its first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Nuggets Facing Elimination After Game 4 Loss

Denver enters Game 5 needing a win to keep its season alive following a 112-96 loss in Game 4.

The Nuggets were unable to capitalize after Minnesota lost star guard Anthony Edwards to a knee injury during the game. Instead, they were overwhelmed by a breakout performance from Ayo Dosunmu, who poured in 43 points off the bench to push the Timberwolves to the brink of advancing.

Now, Denver must respond — potentially without one of its most important two-way players at full strength.

Aaron Gordon Injury Clouds Nuggets’ Rotation

Gordon has been managing a lingering calf issue throughout the series and has not looked fully healthy.

He missed Game 3 before returning in Game 4, where he logged 23 minutes but appeared limited. Gordon finished with nine points, one rebound and one block while shooting 4-of-11 from the field.

Despite his desire to play, there are growing concerns about whether he can handle a full workload in a high-intensity elimination game.

Earlier Monday, ESPN insider Shams Charania indicated that Gordon could be held out entirely.

“I’m told he’s expected to be out tonight,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show. “He wants to play, I think the team is going to have to protect him from himself.”

Gordon is officially listed as questionable due to left calf tightness.

Nuggets Must Balance Urgency vs Long-Term Risk

The decision facing Denver is complicated.

Gordon has played through injuries before and remains a key part of the team’s championship core alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. But his current condition raises concerns about both effectiveness and risk of further injury.

Last postseason, Gordon battled through a hamstring injury late in the Western Conference finals, ultimately playing limited minutes despite being far from full strength.

This time, the Nuggets must weigh whether pushing him again is worth the potential cost — especially with his mobility already compromised.

Aaron Gordon’s Health a Season-Long Concern

Gordon’s availability has been an issue beyond this series.

He appeared in just 36 games during the regular season, his lowest total since arriving in Denver in 2021, largely due to recurring lower-body injuries.

When healthy, Gordon serves as a defensive anchor and emotional leader — roles that become even more critical in high-stakes playoff games.

Without him at full strength, Denver’s margin for error shrinks significantly.

What’s at Stake for Nuggets in Game 5

With elimination looming, the Nuggets will once again lean heavily on Jokic and Murray to extend the series.

Game 5 tips off Monday night at Ball Arena, where Denver will try to force a Game 6 and keep its title hopes alive.

Whether Gordon is able to go — and at what level — could ultimately determine how long this series continues.