Nuggets Announce Peyton Watson News After Leaving Jazz Game
Nuggets Announce Peyton Watson News After Leaving Jazz Game
Gavin GroeThu, April 2, 2026 at 3:27 AM UTC
0
The Denver Nuggets appeared to be getting healthy at the right time, with every key contributor returning to the active roster just before the NBA playoffs. Unfortunately for Denver, one of their breakout players, small forward Peyton Watson, left Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz in the first half with an injury.
Watson’s breakout season has been driven by an increased role, improved 3-point efficiency and his defensive versatility as a lengthy 6-foot-8 wing. Through his first 53 games this year, Watson has averaged a career-high 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks while shooting 49.0% from the field and 41.5% from beyond the arc.
He has also slotted perfectly into the starting lineup when called upon, starting 40 games for one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (8)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Watson did not start on Wednesday, as teammate Aaron Gordon returned from injury and reclaimed his spot in the starting five. Off the bench, Watson recorded six points on 3-of-5 shooting along with three rebounds through his first nine minutes of action.
However, at halftime the Nuggets announced that he had suffered a right hamstring injury. He was not the only player to go down, as Tim Hardaway Jr. also exited with left knee soreness. Both were listed as questionable to return.
Advertisement
“Injury Update: Peyton Watson (Right Hamstring Tightness) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (Left Knee Soreness) are both questionable to return to tonight's game,” the Nuggets wrote on X.
Denver ultimately secured the win over Utah, but Watson did not return to the floor. The Nuggets will hope the injury is not a serious setback and that the team simply held him out due to the opponent. Watson’s next chance to play will come Saturday at home against the San Antonio Spurs.
Watson is set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason, meaning the Nuggets will be able to match any offer he receives from another organization. However, Denver is operating with limited payroll flexibility, and given Watson’s breakout, it is possible another team could present him with a hefty contract based on his potential.
The Nuggets acquired Watson from the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2022 NBA Draft, and since then he has fit right in. He also helped Denver capture an NBA Finals title in 2023. If he can return to full strength quickly, Watson’s continued growth could play a major role in shaping Denver’s postseason ceiling.
Related: Lakers Announce Bronny James Decision Ahead of Wizards Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Sports”
