The Denver Nuggets may have caught another timely break as they fight to keep their season alive.
The Minnesota Timberwolves added guard Bones Hyland to their injury report ahead of Game 6, listing him as questionable with left knee soreness. The update comes as Minnesota is already without Anthony Edwards (left knee bone bruise) and Donte DiVincenzo (right Achilles tendon repair), further thinning its backcourt in a closeout opportunity.
Hyland’s status looms large not only because of his recent production — but also because of his history. The 25-year-old was originally drafted by the Nuggets with the 26th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft before later being dealt away, adding another layer of intrigue to his potential absence in a series against his former team.
Timberwolves Facing Mounting Injury Concerns
GettyBones Hyland of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots against Spencer Jones of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter of Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs.
Hyland has provided steady minutes for Minnesota in the series, averaging 8.4 points, 2.0 assists and 1.4 rebounds over five games.
He is coming off a series-best 15-point performance in Game 5, shooting 5-of-9 from the field in 23 minutes. It was a bounce-back outing after going 0-for-5 from deep in Game 4, and he has been one of the few reliable scoring options with Minnesota’s stars sidelined.
If Hyland is unable to play, the Timberwolves will likely rely on Mike Conley, Kyle Anderson and Terrence Shannon to absorb additional ball-handling and scoring duties — a difficult task given the stakes.
Nuggets Capitalize on Short-Handed Opponent
Denver already took advantage of Minnesota’s injuries in Game 5, delivering a 125-113 win behind a dominant triple-double from Nikola Jokic, who finished with 27 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds.
Jamal Murray added 24 points, while Spencer Jones chipped in 20 in a surprise performance that helped swing momentum.
“It’s just a good win and then you move on,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said. “Tomorrow we’ll sit down and talk with the guys, get them right … and try to win on Thursday.”
The win cut the Timberwolves’ series lead to 3-2 and revived Denver’s hopes of another historic comeback. The Nuggets famously erased two 3-1 deficits during the 2020 postseason — the last team to accomplish the feat.
Opportunity Shifts Ahead of Game 6
Minnesota’s injury situation has dramatically reshaped the series.
Edwards, the team’s leading scorer, remains out indefinitely, though imaging showed no structural damage. DiVincenzo has already undergone season-ending surgery. Now Hyland’s uncertain availability puts additional pressure on an already stretched rotation.
The Timberwolves struggled offensively in Game 5, committing 25 turnovers and falling behind by as many as 27 points.
“They’re a championship team. They have championship DNA,” Julius Randle said of Denver. “We get to go back to Minnesota and have a chance to close it out.”
Nuggets Eye Another Opening
For the Nuggets, the path is clear: win Game 6 and force a decisive Game 7.
With Jokic rediscovering his rhythm and the offense returning to form, Denver has regained control of the momentum — and now potentially holds a growing health advantage.
Hyland’s status will be one of the key variables entering Thursday night. If he cannot go, the Nuggets may once again find themselves facing a depleted opponent with everything on the line.
And for a team that has come back from the brink before, that opening could be enough.
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