The Denver Nuggets may be getting key help back just in time for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Wings Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones both participated in non-contact portions of Wednesday’s practice as they recover from right hamstring strains, head coach David Adelman said, via Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette. Neither player has been cleared for contact, but both are trending toward a potential return for Saturday’s opener.
The No. 3-seeded Nuggets will host the No. 6-seeded Timberwolves at 3:30 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime, opening a matchup that could be shaped early by health and depth.
Peyton Watson Injury Update Comes at Crucial Time for Nuggets
GettyPeyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with Aaron Gordon after a play against the Washington Wizards.
Watson has been sidelined since April 1, when he exited a 130-117 win over the Utah Jazz in the second quarter due to right hamstring tightness. He finished with six points on 3-of-5 shooting and three rebounds in just nine minutes.
His absence has left a noticeable gap in Denver’s rotation.
The fourth-year forward has taken a significant step forward this season, emerging as a reliable two-way contributor capable of defending multiple positions while adding efficient scoring.
With the playoffs beginning, his availability becomes more than just a boost — it’s a potential difference-maker.
Nuggets Depth Chart Impact: Spencer Jones, Wing Rotation Questions
Jones, who hasn’t played since March 29 after experiencing hamstring tightness against the Golden State Warriors, has also carved out an important role.
He averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds across 64 appearances, including 37 starts, and earned a standard contract after beginning the season on a two-way deal.
Denver’s depth chart highlights how both players fit into the rotation. Watson and Jones provide size, activity and defensive versatility behind Aaron Gordon and Cameron Johnson, allowing the Nuggets to maintain flexibility across lineups.
If neither is available for Game 1, Denver would likely lean more heavily on Tim Hardaway Jr. and Julian Strawther, while redistributing minutes to account for the loss of wing depth.
Peyton Watson vs Timberwolves Stats Show Why Denver Needs Him
Watson’s impact stands out even more in this specific matchup.
In three games against Minnesota this season, he averaged 11.0 points while shooting 54.5% from the field and 60% from three-point range. He also contributed 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
Denver won the season series 3-1, but Minnesota claimed the most recent meeting, 117-108, with Watson sidelined.
That contrast underscores his importance in this matchup, particularly against a Timberwolves team built around size and athleticism.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game 1 Could Shift on Availability
Denver’s rotation flexibility will be one of the key factors to watch early in the series.
Having Watson and Jones available — even in limited roles — would allow the Nuggets to better match Minnesota’s physical style and maintain balance across lineups. Without them, the margin for error tightens, particularly on the defensive end.
With both players progressing through non-contact work, their status is expected to come down closer to tipoff.
For a team entering the postseason with championship expectations, getting healthy at the right time could shape how this series unfolds from the opening game.
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