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HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 21: Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets exits the game due to injury in the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

Aaron Gordon is listed on the Denver Nuggets‘ injury report as questionable heading into Game 6 of their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but based on recent injury updates, signs point to the star forward missing the must-win game.

Gordon has been dealing with a calf injury for the past few days and hasn’t suited up for the Nuggets since Game 4 of the series.

Now, heading into a matchup that Denver needs to win to keep their season alive, there’s not much hope Gordon will be able to suit up on Thursday night.

Aaron Gordon Injury Update

Gordon has played just three games in the Nuggets-Timberwolves series so far, but his calf injury is an issue that has only grown as the first-round matchup has evolved.

While Gordon is officially listed as questionable, the expectation is that he won’t play in Game 6, according to the latest injury update.

Speaking on NBA Today, reporter and insider Anthony Slater of ESPN didn’t provide much hope for the Nuggets getting back their star forward and key defensive option for Thursday night.

“I lean towards doubtful,” Slater said about Gordon’s injury status. “He was out here on this court yesterday after practice, I would say getting some light shooting in, (but) every time I’ve seen him in this series, it’s been very tentative movement…I just think it’s risky to put in on the floor for his long-term health.”

Slater cited Gordon’s limited action and involvement in the Nuggets’ Game 4 loss as a reason to indicate the forward might not play in the upcoming matchup. His overall status remains up in the air, but even according to Denver’s head coach, David Adelman, it looks as though the team is preparing to play Game 6 without him.

“I’m not a doctor, and I’m not a trainer, but obviously, you guys could see it,” Adelman said, per Bennett Durando of the Denver Post. “I could see it. There is a point where it’s not good for him. It’s not good for the team. And everybody knows Aaron wants to play. The guy’s the ultimate teammate. He’s been so good for us over the years. But we have to do what’s right for him and the team.”

Gordon remains officially questionable for Game 6, but him being ruled out before tipoff wouldn’t come as a surprise.

Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game 6 Full Injury Report

Along with Gordon, the Nuggets will miss Peyton Watson for their must-win game. He has been dealing with a hamstring strain for the past few weeks, and while Denver had hope for a return at some point in the series, he remains out, with no official return timeline.

Those are the only two players listed on the Nuggets’ injury report, as they’ll instead rely once again on Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to keep their season alive.

As for the Timberwolves, they have a few key players listed as out for Game 6. Both Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo won’t play on Thursday, or the rest of the series for that matter. While DiVincenzo suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon, Edwards is out with a bone bruise and hyperextension in his right knee, set to miss at least a few more weeks.

Additionally, Minnesota has Ayo Dosumu listed as questionable for the upcoming game. He had a standout 43-point performance once Edwards and DiVincenzo went down, and he remains a crucial piece for the Timberwolves. However, currently dealing with right calf soreness, his status remains up in the air.

The Timberwolves also had Bones Hyland previously listed as questionable, but he’s since been upgraded to available after left knee soreness landed him on the injury report.

Game 6 of Nuggets vs Timberwolves is a big game for both sides. Denver can either keep their season alive and force a Game 7 at home, or Minnesota can advance without its franchise star and at least one of its other key players.

But as for Denver, it looks as though they are heading into the must-win game without Gordon, as he will miss the matchup with the lingering calf injury.