Peyton Watson: Injury Update and Potential Return Dates for Nuggets Forward

The Denver Nuggets have been without Peyton Watson for the first few games of the NBA playoffs as he recovers from his second hamstring strain of the season.

The Nuggets have dealt with plenty of injuries to their top players throughout the course of the regular season, and the bad luck hasn't escaped them in the playoffs.

Denver was blown out in Game 3 of the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-96, falling behind 2-1 in the series.

The Wolves have consistently attacked the basket on offense, taking advantage of Denver's lack of rim protection and physicality around the basket.

The Nuggets were without their two best, and longest, defenders in Aaron Gordon and Watson. Without those guys on the floor, Denver is in for a mighty challenge to get themselves back in this series.

Gordon played in the first two games, but felt soreness in his calf after Game 2, leading to his absence in Game 3. Watson on the other hand, has missed an extended amount of time.

The Nuggets' backup forward had a breakout regular season and was expected to be a key piece in the playoff rotation, but Watson suffered his second hamstring strain of the season with five regular season games to go.

Watson averaged 14.6 points and more than a block per game while shooting 41.1% from three. His absence has been majorly felt against the big Wolves' forwards.

When Could Peyton Watson Return to the Court?

A return doesn't seem imminent, but the Nuggets are hoping that Watson can return later in the series, perhaps in Game 6 or 7 if it gets to that point.

As of Apr. 22, the Nuggets were listing him as week-to-week. Head coach David Adelman said that there is "hope to get Watson back in this series at some point."

Game 4 tips off tomorrow, Saturday Apr. 25 at 7:30 PM CT.

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