February 6: Watson is expected to be reevaluated in four weeks, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link).
February 5: Nuggets forward Peyton Watson has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, league sources tell Tony Jones of The Athletic (Twitter link).
It’s a tough blow for both Watson, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, and the Nuggets, who have dealt with several injuries to key rotation players throughout the 2025/26 season.
Watson suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s loss at New York. Head coach David Adelman indicated Watson would be undergoing an MRI, which reportedly revealed the Grade 2 strain.
“Waiting to see the MRI,” Adelman said after the game. “But just seeing so much of this this year. I just feel bad for the guys in the locker room. It’s deflating when you keep seeing people go down around you when you’re trying to build towards something.”
Watson was in the midst of a breakout fourth season for Denver, averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steal on .496/.417/.727 shooting in 49 appearances (30.7 minutes per game). The 23-year-old wing has been particularly effective since the start of January, averaging 21.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.6 BPG and 1.1 SPG on .486/.457/.711 shooting in 18 outings (36.1 MPG).
Watson is now the second Nuggets forward recovering from a hamstring stain, as Aaron Gordon is out several weeks after aggravating a hamstring injury on his right leg. Cameron Johnson (right knee bone bruise) remains out as well — he last played on December 23.
Nikola Jokic (knee), Christian Braun (left ankle sprain) and Jonas Valanciunas (calf strain) all missed extended time this season as well, though they’re all active now.
Absolutely cursed that team this year.
it’s crazy, and they are still 3rd in the west
I have had one of those, took 6 months to be back to fully normal. He’s obviously a pro athlete and has all the medical and tech behind him, but I don’t see him back before the playoffs. He was crucial and having a big breakout year too, such a shame.
Jamal Murray has been crazy glue this year. Single handedly holding the Nuggets together. Very worthy first All-Star nod. I really hope they can get healthy for a solid playoff run. Everyone wants to watch Jokic play.
Unbelievable…
I still think when ALL HEALTHY come end of the year they will be in position to make a run to a Chip…
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokić in his fourth game back after the most serious injury of his career, plays a season high 45 minutes in a double OT loss vs the Knicks, while being on a 20 something minute restriction, and he landed awkwardly on an opponents foot in the first quarter and re-aggravated his injury – he clearly limped for the rest of the game!
How on earth can the Nuggets hold onto third place? Incoming Jamal Murray back to back to back 50 point games? They have to make a business decision here to rest Jokić until he gets Aaron Gordon back. It’s just unfair to ask so much of the big man. Who cares about personal rewards he will still be eligible for the super max this summer because he made all NBA last season.