David Adelman gives optimistic update on Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones

Two of the Denver Nuggets’ best defenders could be a go for Game 1 of the playoffs if they’re cleared in time, that is according to head coach David Adelman, who provided injury updates on Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones after the team’s first practice in preparation for their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Peyton and Spence both practiced, not contact, all non-contact stuff. Spence did more yesterday, as far as his player development, they look good, but neither guys clear as of yet,” Adelman shared. “My hope is they’ll play in game one. If not, we’ll play the group that is healthy.”

DA says the hope is both Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones will play Game 1 but neither is cleared yet. Both are participating in non contact practice. pic.twitter.com/LlPEkyeO39

— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) April 15, 2026

It’s the most promising update Nuggets fans have received on either player in weeks. Both Watson and Jones have been sidelined with hamstring strains and missed the final five games of the regular season. Watson’s situation has been particularly frustrating — after missing 19 consecutive games earlier in the season with the initial injury, he returned briefly only to reaggravate his hamstring on April 1 against the Jazz. Jones last played in Denver’s March 29 win over Golden State.

There’s significance in getting both players back for the postseason. Watson’s breakout 2025-26 campaign established him as arguably Denver’s best perimeter defender, while being a game-changing consistent scorer off the bench.

Jones, meanwhile, evolved from a two-way contract player into a big part of the Nuggets’ second unit, even sliding into a small-ball center role that helps give Adelman a radical but different option.

Defense has been a legitimate concern for the third-seeded Nuggets heading into the playoffs. They finished at 21st in defensive rating this year. Having Watson and Jones available would soften some of the issues on that side of the floor.

With or without them, Julian Strawther and Jonas Valanciunas are going to be needed — both played well during the regular-season finale stretch — but neither provides the defensive versatility that Watson and Jones bring to this roster.

Their availability becomes even more critical given the matchup. Anthony Edwards, who averaged 28.8 points per game this season, has historically given Denver fits in the postseason. Neither has proven to stop or slow the star, but having more bodies to throw at him is the Nuggets’ best option.

Edwards missed 11 of the regular season’s final 14 games managing right knee issues, but there’s no structural damage, and he’s expected to be full-go for the series.

Game 1 tips off Saturday at 1:30 p.m. MT at Ball Arena. The game will air on Prime Video.

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