Is Aaron Gordon playing tonight? Denver released a key update for the NBA Cup game

ByNBAUSA



The Denver Nuggets and the Houston Rockets meet at high stakes NBA Cup The tournament game of the season on Friday night, featuring two of the hottest teams in the Western Conference.

Denver enters 11-3, second in the West, while Houston is 10-3 and third after a surprising early-season surge behind an elite defense and the rapid development of Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.

The Rockets are one of the league’s most physical interior teams, ranking seventh in the NBA with 53.4 points per game, led by Sengun’s 12.0 points inside.

Denver counters with size and rebounding dominance, second in the West with 47.3 rebounds per game, thanks in large part to two-time MVP Nikola Jokicwho averages 13.2 boards.

But both teams enter with important questions about injuries which can directly affect the match.

Aaron Gordoninjury status vs. Rockets

Denver forward Aaron Gordon is listed as probable with a bilateral hamstring injury, according to Thursday’s official injury report.

Gordon has been one of the Nuggets’ most reliable two-way contributors this season, averaging 20.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and shooting a career-best 53.6% FG and 45.2% from three in 12 games. Barring a last-minute setback, he is expected to be available to start.

Nuggets injury report

Denver will be without Christian Brown (left ankle sprain) and Julian Strather (lower back injury management), while DaRon Holmes II and Tamar Bates are on G-League assignment. Gordon’s presence is key, especially defensively against Houston’s versatile offensive line.

Rocket Injuries Report

Houston could also be shortchanged. Steven Adams (ankle tendinopathy) and Jabari Smith Jr. (right knee tendinopathy) are both listed as questionable, while Tari Eason (oblique strain)Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle surgery) and Fred VanVleet (ACL repair recovery) are out.

Without VanVleet, Houston relies heavily on Sengun’s interior play and Amen Thompson’s perimeter creation.

With the NBA Cup at stake and the implications for the start of the season, Gordon’s availability could change the competition. Denver looks to maintain its dominance in conference play (9-2 against the West), while Houston looks to continue its breakout run and build momentum toward advancing in the group stage.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.





2025-11-21 14:04:00

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