Nuggets Offer Optimism on Return Timeline for Braun and Gordon.

The Denver Nuggets have faced significant injury challenges this season, with multiple starters unavailable. Prior to Nikola Jokic suffering a knee injury against the Miami Heat, the team shared encouraging news regarding the recovery progress of Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon. Before Denver’s matchup with Miami, head coach David Adelman addressed reporters and suggested that both Braun and Gordon could return near the end of the Nuggets’ current seven-game road trip. According to Adelman, the organization is hopeful the duo will be cleared as the trip concludes, signaling a potential boost for a depleted roster.

Braun has been sidelined since November 12 after spraining his ankle against the Los Angeles Clippers. Gordon has missed time since November 21 due to a hamstring strain sustained during a fall against the Houston Rockets. While both injuries have kept them out for several weeks, Braun’s recovery appears to be progressing slightly faster, as he has recently participated in shootaround sessions.

In addition to Braun and Gordon, Denver is also monitoring injuries to Cameron Johnson and Jokic. Johnson suffered a knee contusion during a loss to the Dallas Mavericks on December 23. Jokic was injured Monday night when his knee buckled after contact with a teammate, further complicating the Nuggets’ rotation. The Nuggets’ road trip has begun with losses to the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. Upcoming games include matchups against the Toronto Raptors on New Year’s Eve, followed by contests against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics. Denver returns home on January 9 to face the Atlanta Hawks.

While the team has not confirmed an official return date, ESPN currently projects Braun and Gordon could be available as early as January 5 against Philadelphia. That timeline remains flexible and will depend on how both players respond to increased conditioning and rehabilitation activities in the coming days.