Nuggets injuries pile up as Johnson likely sits against Jazz; Gordon, Watson close to returns
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Denver forward Cameron Johnson does not expect to play tonight against the Jazz in Salt Lake City after aggravating a lingering right-ankle injury during Sunday’s loss to Minnesota, according to the Denver Gazette. Johnson went scoreless in 23 minutes against the Timberwolves, missing all six field-goal attempts. Since the All-Star break, he is shooting 31.4% overall and 26.7% from three in six games.
“Every time that’s happened, I’ve been able to turn it around,” Johnson said of previous slumps. The 27-year-old plans to experiment with different shoes and orthotics in an effort to ease the pain that has bothered him much of the season.
Acquired from Brooklyn last summer to replace Michael Porter Jr., Johnson rediscovered his perimeter touch in November and December before a bone bruise just before Christmas sidelined him for six weeks.
Coaching adjustments
Acting head coach David Adelman altered his substitution pattern after Denver squandered a nine-point advantage while both Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray rested early in the second quarter Sunday. In the fourth quarter, Adelman kept Murray on the floor when Jokić sat. “If we have to do it, we’ll do it, because this can’t happen,” he said.
Limited wing options
Denver’s inability to land additional wing depth on the buyout market increases the urgency for Johnson’s recovery. The club pursued help before Khris Middleton re-signed in Dallas and Kyle Anderson returned to Minnesota.
Gordon, Watson progressing
Forwards Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, both out with hamstring injuries, are ramping up activity and will be re-evaluated later this week, league sources told ClutchPoints.
Adelman on Dort ejection
Prior to Sunday’s contest, Adelman called Luguentz Dort’s flagrant trip on Jokić during Friday’s game against Oklahoma City “malicious” and a “cheap shot,” adding, “At some point, you have to stand up for yourself.”
The Nuggets enter tonight’s matchup in Utah short-handed on the wings but hopeful that reinforcements are on the horizon.
Source: Hoops Rumors
