Those setbacks pushed him into a much larger offensive role, and the former Chicago Bulls guard responded with the best performance of his NBA career. He exploded for 43 points against Denver in Game 4.

He delivered one of the highest-scoring playoff performances ever by a reserve and instantly became a central figure in the series. Now, Minnesota enters another pivotal matchup with uncertainty surrounding its backcourt depth.

Why was Ayo Dosunmu listed as questionable?

Ayo Dosunmu was listed as questionable for Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets because of right calf soreness. The Minnesota Timberwolves added the guard to the injury report just hours before tipoff, creating even more uncertainty.

His injury designation comes at a difficult moment for Minnesota. The Timberwolves are already without Anthony Edwards, who is recovering from a knee injury, while Donte DiVincenzo suffered a torn Achilles earlier in the series.

His breakout performance helped Minnesota take control of the series and showed how important he has become for Chris Finch’s rotation. So, the coaching staff is expected to monitor the center closely before Game 6.

How has Ayo Dosunmu performed this season?

Ayo Dosunmu has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his NBA career in 2025-26. The guard averaged 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting an efficient 51.7% from the field during the regular season.

He began the season with the Chicago Bulls before being traded to Minnesota during the year. After arriving with the Timberwolves, he quickly established himself as an important two-way player thanks to his perimeter defense.

His efficiency has been especially impressive for a backcourt player. Dosunmu finished the regular season among the league leaders in field-goal percentage for guards, while also improving as a playmaker and secondary scorer.

Minnesota relied heavily on his athleticism and defensive energy throughout the second half of the season. He has elevated his game even further during the playoffs. Injuries forced him into a featured offensive role against Denver.

Both players are dealing with injuries that could significantly impact rotations ahead of a must-win matchup in Minneapolis, where Denver looks to stay alive in the series and the Timberwolves aim to close it out.

Gordon’s availability is considered one of the biggest swing factors of the matchup, given his role as a defensive anchor and secondary scorer alongside center Nikola Jokic and point guard Jamal Murray.

What and when did Aaron Gordon get injured?

The 30-year-old forward Aaron Gordon is dealing with left calf tightness that first appeared during the early stages of the playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The injury forced him in and out of the lineup, including multiple absences in Games 3 and 5, as Denver managed his workload carefully. According to recent reports, the issue has lingered for over a week and has worsened with game intensity, making it a recurring concern rather than a single-game setback.

He initially felt discomfort after a high-usage stretch in the series and has since been listed as questionable or ruled out depending on pre-game evaluations. His absence in Game 5 was particularly notable, as Denver had to adjust rotations without one of its most versatile defenders and secondary scorers.

When will Aaron Gordon return to play?

Aaron Gordon is considered a true game-time decision for Game 6, with his return dependent on pre-game warmups and medical clearance. The Denver Nuggets have not ruled him out long-term.

Reports from the camp indicate the team is prioritizing caution, especially due to the risk of aggravation. That means he could either return in a limited role or be held out again depending on how he responds physically right before tip-off.

How has Aaron Gordon been playing this season?

Aaron Gordon has been averaging 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this 2025–26 NBA season while shooting nearly 50% from the field. His scoring profile has stayed consistent, with strong interior finishing and improved spacing through occasional three-point shooting at nearly 39%.

He has remained one of the team’s most efficient two-way contributors, playing around 28 minutes per game and serving as a key finisher in transition and pick-and-roll situations alongside Nikola Jokic.

What and when did Bones Hyland get injured?

Bones Hyland is dealing with left knee soreness that emerged just before Game 6 of the series against the Denver Nuggets. The Minnesota guard was added to the injury report late in the series, making him a surprise questionable case.

Unlike longer-term injuries in the series, the 25-year-old point guard’s issue is described as a new and sudden development, likely linked to increased minutes and physical load during the postseason stretch.

How has Bones Hyland been playing this season?

Bones Hyland has been a consistent bench scoring spark for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season, averaging 8 points, 3 assists and close to 2 rebounds per game while shooting efficiently from the field.

He has maintained roughly 46% shooting and has provided steady production in limited minutes as a second-unit guard. His impact has come in bursts, especially when Minnesota needs instant offense off the bench.

He has had multiple double-digit scoring games in key stretches, including standout performances in wins where he reached 18+ points and helped stabilize the second unit during injury-heavy rotations.

The injury occurred late in Game 4, when he landed awkwardly and had to leave the court after his knee bent backward on the play. Initial fears were significant, but tests revealed no ligament damage.

Chris Finch’s team still holds a 3-1 series lead and will try to finish the job without him. For the Denver Nuggets, his absence could open the door to extend the series—especially with Aaron Gordon also dealing with an injury of his own.

When will Anthony Edwards return to play?

Anthony Edwards is expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks and is unlikely to return during the first-round series. Reports indicate he will begin rehabilitation immediately, but the recovery timeline extends beyond the current series against Denver.

That means even if the Timberwolves advance, his availability for the early part of the next round would also be in doubt. While avoiding ligament damage is a positive sign long-term, they will need to plan without the franchise player in the short term.

What happened to Anthony Edwards?

Anthony Edwards suffered a left knee injury (hyperextension and bone bruise) during Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets. He landed awkwardly while contesting a play and had to leave the game early.

The injury occurred in the second quarter, when he immediately grabbed his knee and was helped off the court. Initial concern was high, but tests later confirmed there was no ligament damage, which avoided a worst-case scenario.

Still, the nature of the injury—especially the hyperextension—impacts explosiveness and mobility, two of his biggest strengths. Even though Minnesota went on to win Game 4 and take a 3-1 series lead, the injury quickly became the defining storyline heading into Game 5.

How has the Timberwolves star been performing?

Anthony Edwards has been one of the NBA’s top scorers this season, averaging 29 points per game and leading the Timberwolves offensively. He averaged over 5 rebounds and around 4 assists per game, showcasing his all-around growth.

Against the Denver Nuggets specifically, he has been especially dangerous—putting up over 30 points per game in matchups this season and consistently creating problems with his athleticism and shot-making.

In the playoffs, his impact remained strong before the injury, helping the team build a 3-1 series lead. His absence now removes the team’s primary offensive engine, forcing others to step into a much larger role.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets’ next games

The next game is Game 5, with the Timberwolves leading the series 3-1 and looking to eliminate the Nuggets. Game 5 is scheduled in Denver, where the Nuggets will try to extend the series and avoid elimination.

If necessary, the remaining schedule would be:

• Game 6: Back in Minnesota | Thursday, April 30
• Game 7: In Denver (if needed) | Saturday, May 2

The series follows a best-of-seven format, meaning Minnesota needs just one more win to advance, while Denver must win three straight games to stay alive. With Edwards sidelined, Game 5 becomes even more unpredictable.

He has been dealing with lingering left calf tightness throughout the series, an issue that already forced him to miss Game 3 and limited him in Game 4, where he logged just 23 minutes before briefly exiting to the locker room.

After falling behind 3-1 in the first-round series, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are trying to avoid a first-round exit—and they not only need a win at Ball Arena, but also clarity on the status of one of their key two-way players.

When could Aaron Gordon return to play?

Aaron Gordon could return as soon as Game 5, but he remains a game-time decision due to his calf injury. The veteran forward’s availability will likely be determined shortly before tip-off.

Because it’s the playoffs—and Denver is facing elimination—there’s a strong incentive for him to try to play through the injury. However, his condition has already limited his effectiveness, and the team will prioritize mobility and risk of aggravation before clearing him.

How and when did Aaron Gordon get injured?

Aaron Gordon suffered a calf injury during the first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves, with the issue emerging after Game 2. He was later ruled out of Game 3 due to tightness in his left calf.

Reports indicate the injury worsened as the series progressed. He attempted to return in Game 4 but was visibly limited and even went to the locker room during the game before coming back to the court.

How many games has Aaron Gordon missed so far?

Aaron Gordon has missed one game in this playoff series so far, sitting out Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, his availability has been inconsistent beyond that absence.

Even when active, he has played limited minutes and has not been at full strength due to the calf issue. Looking at the bigger picture, durability has been a concern this season.

He appeared in just 36 regular-season games, missing significant time due to multiple injuries, including recurring hamstring problems. That makes his current situation even more impactful for Denver in the playoffs.

How has Aaron Gordon performed this season?

Aaron Gordon has been an efficient and reliable two-way contributor for the Denver Nuggets, averaging around 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this season. His offensive production has remained steady.

He complements Nikola Jokic with cutting, rebounding and the ability to guard multiple positions. Earlier in the season, he even delivered standout performances, including a historic 50-point game on opening night.

Denver Nuggets’ next games

The Denver Nuggets’ next game is Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with their season on the line. The matchup takes place in Denver, with the team trailing 3-1 in the series. If they win, the series will continue with:

• Game 6 in Minnesota | Thursday, April 30
• Game 7 (if necessary) back in Denver | Saturday, May 2

The first round follows a best-of-seven format, meaning David Adelman‘s team must win three straight games to advance. With elimination pressure mounting, Gordon’s status becomes one of the defining factors.

Jokic made it clear that he did not regret taking part due to what he saw as a lack of respect. McDaniels broke the unwritten rule all NBA players follow. Jokic said McDaniels’ scoring toward the end of a one-sided game pushed him over the edge, he said, per ESPN. “I don’t regret it,” he said postgame. “Because he scored after everybody stopped playing.”

After the clash between McDaniels and Jokic, Julius Randle stepped in to defend his teammate, which intensified the situation and led to both Jokic and Randle being ejected from the floor with just one second remaining in the game.

Jokic and Randle fined

Nikola Jokic was fined $50,000, and Julius Randle received a $35,000 fine, on the other hand, for their roles in the Denver Nuggets-Minnesota Timberwolves Game 4 fight, the NBA announced Sunday.

Both teams were set to meet again in Denver for Game 5, with the Wolves holding a commanding 3-1 series lead and now one win away from eliminating the Nuggets. And it was better that there were no suspensions, so they could be seen in action with that edge already established.

In addition, the 3-1 situation was not favorable at all for the Nuggets; however, the Timberwolves would now deal with the absence of Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, both due to injury.

Jokic praises Gobert

Nikola Jokic threw shade at the officials while praising Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, as he had been one of the key factors behind the Serbian star’s inconsistent performance.

Jokic finished with 24 points on 8-22 shooting, 15 rebounds, nine assists, and three steals. On the other side, Gobert finished with 15 rebounds, two blocks, two steals, two assists, and four points, making his presence felt on the defensive end of the floor, holding Jokic to 36.3% shooting.

“Average…It’s a little bit of everything. You know, I’m not shooting the ball really well, especially from the three, and you know, Rudy is doing a good job with being physical, testing the officials, contesting shots,’’ Jokic said. “You know, he’s a really good defender. And not just him, they play very good … they’re big, long, tall, handsy, trippy, they’re bumping you, so… I think I answered your question.”

The star guard is managing a right knee issue that has followed him throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs, with the team treating it as “injury maintenance” rather than a new setback.

He has been playing through discomfort since the opening rounds, but remains the Timberwolves’ offensive leader and primary scoring threat. Final confirmation on him is expected shortly before the 9:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

How and when did Anthony Edwards get injured?

Anthony Edwards did not suffer a single in-game injury during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, but instead has been dealing with right knee inflammation that first appeared late in the regular season.

The issue developed over time due to workload and cumulative wear, rather than a specific collision or moment on the court. He missed multiple games in March as the team managed what was diagnosed as knee inflammation.

The condition flared up during the final stretch of the regular season, forcing the franchise to limit his minutes and rest him in several matchups before the playoffs began. Since returning for the postseason, he has been available but not fully at 100%.

How serious is the knee inflammation?

The knee inflammation affecting Anthony Edwards is not considered a structural or season-ending injury, but it is serious enough to require ongoing management throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

He missed 11 of the team’s final 14 regular-season games due to the issue, which highlights how carefully the franchise has handled his recovery process. The condition does not require surgery but can worsen with heavy usage.

Why has he been listed as questionable?

Anthony Edwards has been listed as questionable because the Timberwolves are applying a precautionary “injury management” approach rather than reacting to a new setback. This allows the team to evaluate his condition right up until pregame warmups.

The questionable tag is directly tied to right knee maintenance, a strategy Minnesota used a lot. In practice, this means: Edwards is often a game-time decision, his status depends on warmup response and mobility testing, and the team is managing long-term playoff availability rather than short-term absence.

As confirmed by both teams, Wembanyama has been ruled out of the matchup, while Jokic is ready to go and will start for Denver. Despite both teams having already secured their postseason positioning, there was a high level of anticipation to see the two generational talents go head-to-head one last time before the playoffs.

Wembanyama officially logged his 65th game of the season recently, meeting the league’s minimum requirement to qualify for postseason awards. Conversely, Jokic needs just 15 minutes of floor time today to satisfy the 65-game rule, a move that would officially solidify his status as a primary challenger to Wembanyama in this year’s MVP race.

Leading into this Spurs-Nuggets clash, the MVP debate has reached a fever pitch. Wembanyama has garnered massive support from the NBA community for his historic rim protection and two-way dominance, while Jokic continues to operate at a masterful, high-efficiency level on a nightly basis.

What is on the line in the season finale?

While Wembanyama manages left ribcage soreness and Jokic has been dealing with right wrist injury management, there are significant statistical implications at stake—specifically for Jokic. Thus, it makes sense why the Serbian star is being sent out onto the court at Frost Bank Center.

If Jokic logs the necessary minutes to qualify for the MVP ballot, the game still holds weight for Denver’s seeding. The Nuggets are currently battling for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, locked in a tight race with the Los Angeles Lakers for that final home-court advantage spot.

On the other hand, the Spurs have put together a remarkable campaign, sitting at 62-19 and having already locked up the No. 2 seed in the West. Given the circumstances, both franchises weighed the benefit of momentum against the risk of injury as the NBA playoffs loom. In the end, Wembanyama won’t be put in harm’s way, whereas Jokic will play regardless.

While his status is up in the air, there is a strong possibility Jokic will take the floor as the Nuggets look to improve their seeding. The Nuggets currently hold the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and are eyeing a win to stay ahead of the fourth-place Lakers, a move that could help them avoid a matchup with OKC until a potential Western Conference Finals showdown.

Coming off a 136-119 victory over the Grizzlies on Wednesday, the Nuggets enter tonight on an impressive 10-game winning streak. They have a prime opportunity to extend that run to 11, as the Thunder have already ruled out nearly their entire starting lineup for rest and injury management.

Nuggets’ injury report pile-up

Jokic isn’t the only key name on the report for Denver. Joining him with a questionable designation are:

• Jamal Murray (right shoulder impingement)
• Aaron Gordon (right hamstring injury management)
• Christian Braun (left ankle injury management / right hip flexor strain)
• Cameron Johnson (right ankle injury management)

Jokic’s MVP-caliber campaign

The Serbian star has been the driving force for Denver all season and is a frontrunner for the MVP award alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama.

Jokic is averaging 27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists through 64 games. Notably, with just two games left in the season, he needs only one more appearance to officially meet the 65-game requirement for end-of-season awards.

Jamal Murray is also putting up career numbers this year. The Canadian guard is averaging career-highs in points (25.4), rebounds (4.4), and assists (7.1) through 75 games, solidifying one of the most productive seasons of his career.

Jamal Murray is listed on the injury report alongside Aaron Gordon, with both players designated as probable. Murray is dealing with a left ankle injury, while Gordon is managing a right hamstring injury ahead of the matchup.

The Nuggets edged the San Antonio Spurs 136-131 after erasing a 20-point deficit. That comeback allowed the Nuggets to arrive with strong momentum and confidence for tonight’s crucial matchup against the Lakers, who are expected to have all their stars available.

Will Jamal Murray play?

Everything indicates that Jamal Murray will play in tonight’s game despite being listed as probable. Murray has frequently appeared on the injury report recently, yet he continues to perform at a high level. The All-Star guard scored 39 points as six Nuggets reached double figures, including Nikola Jokic with 31 points.

Jokic also recorded another triple-double with 20 rebounds and 12 assists, along with three steals and two blocks. Murray’s production has surged in recent games, as he is averaging 28.6 points on 49.6 percent shooting, including 46.7 percent from three-point range across the last seven NBA games.

Will Aaron Gordon play?

Gordon appears to be in a similar situation to Murray, as all indications suggest he will be available for the game. Gordon has appeared in only three games this month, with the Nuggets carefully easing their starting forward back into the rotation.

Gordon’s knee issues have limited him to just 26 games this season, although his right hamstring continues to improve as the Nuggets prepare for what they hope will be a deep playoff run. Gordon missed Game 7 of the Nuggets’ Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After missing Thursday’s game against the Spurs, he is expected to be cleared for Saturday’s matchup.

With Thursday’s comeback victory against the Spurs, the Nuggets improved to 41-26, the fifth-best record in the Western Conference standings, just half a game behind the Lakers. A win against Los Angeles would move the Nuggets into fourth place in the standings.

However, the French star’s availability will be a final decision as the team evaluates his condition before tip-off. He was listed on the latest NBA injury report with right ankle soreness.

The Spurs officially ruled him out, meaning he is not going to play against the Nuggets. The timing of the injury report has raised attention because he is coming off a dominant stretch.

Will Victor Wembanyama play tonight?

Victor Wembanyama is ruled out for tonight’s game between the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets, and his playing status is now confirmed before the tip-off.

He appeared on the latest injury report with a sore right ankle, meaning the Spurs will assess him during pregame warmups before making a final decision on his availability, according to Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports.

The ankle issue surfaced after his dominant performance in San Antonio’s recent win, where he scored 39 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, showing his importance to the team’s success.

While the soreness isn’t believed to be severe, they are taking a cautious approach to protect their star as the team jockeys for position in the Western Conference standings.

When will Victor Wembanyama return?

Because Wembanyama is out, there’s no set return timeline — he couldn’t play tonight because evaluation for his ankle feels probably bad during pregame checks.

He has faced various minor injuries this season, including knee and calf issues earlier in the year, but he’s consistently returned quickly and been a major contributor for San Antonio when healthy.

The team is expected to continue monitoring his status leading up to future games, with medical staff and coaches making decisions based on his response to practice and game‑day preparations.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Nuggets have listed Nikola Jokic as questionable with a left ankle sprain for tonight’s game in Chicago. Denver desperately need their three-time MVP to help snap a disappointing three-game losing streak.

It is undoubtedly a major concern for the Nuggets to have their franchise cornerstone back on the injury report, especially considering Jokic previously missed 16 games in January due to a knee injury.

However, fans may find some relief in the fact that the current issue is localized to his ankle, suggesting he has moved past the knee complications that sidelined him for a month.

Since returning to action on January 30, Jokic has appeared in every game. While the team is just 1-3 in that span, his presence is vital as Denver looks to correct its course and regain momentum in the Western Conference standings.

Both teams dealing with significant absences

The Nuggets are hoping Jokic can suit up, as they are already missing several key rotation players. Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain), Peyton Watson (right hamstring strain), Spencer Jones (concussion protocol), and Tamar Bates (left foot surgery) have all been ruled out.

Additionally, Christian Braun (left ankle sprain) and Cameron Johnson (right knee bone bruise) are also listed as questionable. If these players are unable to go, the Nuggets will be heavily reliant on Jokic to shoulder the load and secure a much-needed road victory.

On the other side, the Bulls also enter this matchup severely shorthanded. Guards Josh Giddey and Tre Jones remain out with left hamstring strains, creating a significant backcourt void for the Chicago franchise. Like Denver, the Bulls are also struggling, currently riding their own three-game losing streak.