Report: Aaron Gordon a real question for Game 7 after injury diagnosis

The Denver Nuggets were dealt some bad news on Friday as the late-game hamstring injury to Aaron Gordon on Thursday may prevent him from playing in Game 7.

ESPN reports that Gordon has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain, an injury that typically keeps NBA players out anywhere between one week and eight weeks, depending on the severity.

However, Tony Jones of The Athletic is hearing that Gordon will be listed as questionable for Game 7. That’s at least somewhat promising for Denver fans.

I’m told by sources that Aaron Gordon will officially be listed as questionable for Game 7 in Oklahoma City

— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) May 17, 2025

With about 100 seconds left in Game 6, Chet Holmgren stripped Gordon of the ball, and the Nuggets player chased it alongside OKC’s Alex Caruso. The two mixed up, and Gordon kicked the ball and took an awkward step. He came up, grabbed his hamstring, and checked out of the game about 30 seconds later.

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The Nuggets weren’t sure of how bad the injury was after the game. Gordon shared that he felt decent, though.

“I feel okay. We’ll see,” Gordon said from the locker room postgame. “I’m going to start the recovery process now and make sure I’m getting ready for Game 7.”

Gordon’s lowest-scoring game of the playoffs came in the Nuggets Game 6 win, with just five points. From tallying two buzzer-beaters to doing all the small things, AG has had an obscene playoffs thus far. He’s averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists on 48.5% shooting over 13 postseason contests.

Before Denver’s 14th playoff game on Sunday, they get an extra day of rest — which may give Gordon a glimmer of playing.

“It’s really nice to have two days for all the guys to have treatment and all of those things. I haven’t gotten a clear answer. He’ll get checked out,” Nuggets interim head coach Adelman said after Game 6. “But I mean this, having two days off — wow, this has been a marathon. The guys in there look happier that they have [Friday] off than that they’re going to a Game 7. It’s going to be really nice. It’s nice to have two days to get guys right going into a Sunday matinee. Concern for Aaron is so high. He’s played through a lot this whole season, so we’ll see where he’s at.”

Gordon has had a couple of injury issues recently, limited to 51 games this year, which was the fewest in a full season since his rookie year. He missed two extended stretches with calf injuries. He also started the playoffs with an issue that had him struggling to jump.

Aside from Gordon’s awesome play and shooting improvements, the Nuggets’ short bench and the shoulder injury to Michael Porter Jr. have made the power forward even more critical.

If Gordon can’t go, the Nuggets will likely elevate Russell Westbrook to the starting lineup. Denver was 13-7 in games this season where the former MVP started in the dunk contest star’s place. Though Westbrook has had a few rough games lately in this series, his shot has really struggled.

Adelman could also opt for Peyton Watson in that spot, or could dust off Zeke Nnaji. Whether Gordon plays or doesn’t, Julian Strawther could be in line for more minutes with his 15-point second half being a giant catalyst for the Nuggets. If Gordon is hobbled or sidelined, the Nuggets are in big trouble.

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and his status is in doubt for Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, sources tell ESPN. Major development heading into Sunday's 3:30 pm ET game on ABC for a Western Conference Finals berth. pic.twitter.com/Zju0lLDwFH

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