Key players excluded from Nuggets vs. Raptors game

The Denver Nuggets were already outnumbered against the Toronto Raptors on Monday. The Nuggets were already down to Jamal Murray, whose concussion protocol is progressing and who was seen on the court at practice earlier today.

While it was great to see Murray progress, the Nuggets unfortunately suffered the loss of another key player in today’s game. It was announced that Aaron Gordon will not return for tonight’s game against the Raptors.

Via @Nuggets: “Aaron Gordon will not return for tonight’s game against the Raptors.”

Aaron Gordon was listed on the injury report today with right calf inflammation and it appears that same calf is currently still aggravated. Gordon averaged 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game on 48/33/69 shooting splits in the six games he played this season.

Gordon had only played a total of four minutes tonight and scored three points before leaving the court. Initial reports of his return were questionable, but Denver officials have now confirmed he will not be returning.

With the loss of Gordon and Murray, the Nuggets will have to rely a little more on their bench and their MVP Nikola Jokic. These are the moments when Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr. and Russell Westbrook need to attack.

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