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Peyton Watson during a game against the Houston Rockets in November 2025

Backs are against the wall for the Denver Nuggets’ Game 5 battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Getting a key contributor like Peyton Watson back in the lineup would be an ideal situation for a Nuggets team that could use all hands on deck.

Unfortunately, that’s not their reality. The Nuggets made the early call on Watson once again. As he continues to recover from a right hamstring strain, Watson is going to continue sitting out for Denver. On the official injury report, Watson is listed as out.

As far as Aaron Gordon goes, the Nuggets are leaving the door open for his potential return. It’s been a tough series for the forward, who has been battling setbacks throughout the entire year. According to the injury report, Gordon is listed as questionable for the Nuggets on Monday night.

Peyton Watson Remains Out For Denver

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. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Similar to Gordon, Watson has had it rough on the injury front this year.

The veteran small forward appeared in 54 games, starting in 40 of those matchups. Amid a contract year, Watson was driving his value way up.

GettyDENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 11: Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after an assist against the Houston Rockets at Ball Arena on March 11, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Seeing the court for 29.6 minutes per game, Watson averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. The young veteran shot 49.1% from the field and drained 41.1% from three on 3.6 attempts per game.

Watson has three playoff runs under his belt (including the 2023 championship season), but this season would’ve been his biggest postseason contribution yet. Unfortunately, the setback will keep him out for all five games at this point.

The Nuggets Need To Win Or Go Home

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 21: Nikola Jokić #15 and Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets speak during a timeout during the fourth quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

Monday night could be it for the Nuggets, who have fallen to 1-3 in the series.

There isn’t a simpler way to put it: the Timberwolves have been the better team. While Denver is undermanned with Watson out of the mix, the Timberwolves haven’t had it easy themselves. Their star guard, Anthony Edwards, has been battling a setback and missed a large chunk of Game 4.

Just minutes into Game 4, the standout guard Donte DiVincenzo went down with a torn Achilles. Despite the two early losses, the Timberwolves beat the Nuggets convincingly. From this point on, a loss can’t be afforded. Monday marks the first of potentially three elimination games for the Nuggets in round one.

Game 5 is set to begin at 10:30 PM ET.