Denver, CO — Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson avoided a major setback after exiting Tuesday’s game with a right knee injury. An MRI revealed a bone bruise but no structural damage, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Johnson is still expected to miss time, yet the diagnosis was described as the best possible outcome given initial fears of a more serious issue.
The injury occurred in the fourth quarter when Johnson landed awkwardly while contesting a defensive rebound. He immediately grabbed his right knee and left the floor.
Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette indicated additional updates on Johnson’s recovery timeline could arrive by Thursday, but the forward is widely expected to sit out Denver’s Christmas Day divisional matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Johnson, acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in an offseason trade that sent Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn, opened the season slowly, averaging 7.2 points on .372/.211/.813 shooting in his first 11 games. Over his last 17 appearances, the 6-foot-8 wing has averaged 14.6 points while shooting .503 from the field and .523 from three-point range.
Denver is already without starters Christian Braun (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring). Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones have been filling in alongside Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Johnson. With Johnson sidelined, head coach Michael Malone is expected to consider Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. for the vacant spot in the starting lineup.
Source: HoopsRumors
