### Denver Nuggets Face Injury Crisis: Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun Return Amid Jokic's Absence The Denver Nuggets are experiencing a challenging period as they navigate a series of injuries, particularly the absence of their star player, Nikola Jokic. However, the return of Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun from their respective injuries offers a glimmer of hope for the team. Gordon has been sidelined for 19 games due to a strained right hamstring, while Braun has been out since November 12 with a sprained left ankle. Their return comes at a crucial time as the Nuggets look to bolster their roster against the Brooklyn Nets on January 4, 2026, after struggling with a record of 11-8 without them [https://apnews.com/article/nuggets-injuries-gordon-braun-jokic-9bd18c4d5ac71b776a757daeb09b15f9][https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-denver-nuggets-injury-update-massive-boost-nikola-jokic-s-absence-aaron-gordon-christian-braun-s-status-shifts-vs-nets-jan-4]. ### Injury Updates and Team Dynamics 1. **Injury Status of Key Players**: - Aaron Gordon: Missed 19 games due to a strained right hamstring; last played on November 21. - Christian Braun: Out since November 12 with a sprained left ankle; started the first 11 games of the season. 2. **Impact of Jokic's Absence**: - Nikola Jokic is currently out due to a left knee injury, significantly affecting the team's performance and depth. - The Nuggets have struggled to maintain a winning record without their star player, highlighting the importance of Gordon and Braun's return. 3. **Coaching Insights**: - Coach David Adelman expressed optimism about Gordon and Braun's readiness, noting their improvements during recent practices and warmups [https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nuggets-injuries-gordon-braun-jokic-t03712][https://thesportstak.com/basketball/story/denver-nuggets-injury-report-big-change-in-aaron-goron-christian-brauns-status-in-nikola-jokics-absence-vs-nets-3224810-2026-01-04]. ### Supporting Evidence of Team Performance - **Recent Performance Metrics**: - The Nuggets have recorded an 11-8 record during the absence of both Gordon and Braun, indicating a struggle to fill the gaps left by their injuries. - The team has been operating short-handed, which has led to increased pressure on remaining players to perform [https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/denver-could-see-aaron-gordon-christian-braun-return-to-court-sunday-in-brooklyn][https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/nuggets_receive_encouraging_updates_before_scrimmage_vs_cavs/s1_17038_43279361]. ### Conclusion: A Critical Moment for the Nuggets In summary, the return of Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun is a significant development for the Denver Nuggets as they cope with the loss of Nikola Jokic. Their presence on the court is expected to provide much-needed support and potentially improve the team's performance. 1. **Key Takeaway**: The Nuggets are in dire need of healthy players, and the return of Gordon and Braun could be pivotal. 2. **Future Outlook**: The team's ability to adapt and perform without Jokic will be tested in the upcoming games, particularly against the Brooklyn Nets. 3. **Coaching Strategy**: Coach Adelman's management of player health and game strategy will be crucial in navigating this injury crisis [https://newz9.com/dynamic-duo-aaron-gordon-and-christian-braun-rejoin-nuggets-amidst-team-health-crisis][https://clutchpoints.com/nba/denver-nuggets/nuggets-news-aaron-gordon-christian-braun-upgraded-questionable-nets-showdown].