The Denver Nuggets face a must-win situation in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves without one of their essential players, as Aaron Gordon has been declared unavailable due to a calf injury.
Denver officials announced Monday night that Gordon would sit out the crucial matchup at home. The Timberwolves currently hold a commanding 3-1 advantage in their first-round playoff matchup after defeating Denver 112-96 on Saturday. During that contest, Gordon took the court but appeared hampered by his injury, managing just 9 points on 4-of-11 shooting and connecting on only one of five three-point attempts.
The veteran forward, who has played 12 seasons in the NBA, first hurt his calf during Game 2 of the series and was unable to participate in Game 3.
Throughout the regular season, Gordon contributed 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest.
Both teams will be dealing with significant absences Monday night, as Minnesota will play without guard Donte DiVincenzo, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon that ended his season during Game 4. The Timberwolves will also be missing star player Anthony Edwards, who hurt his knee and suffered a bone bruise in the same game.
Should Minnesota move forward in the playoffs, Edwards is expected to be sidelined on a week-to-week basis.
