The Denver Nuggets managed to avoid elimination, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-107 in Game 6 on Thursday evening. However, their hopes for Game 7 have been complicated as power forward Aaron Gordon suffered a left hamstring strain late in the match. His availability for Game 7 is now uncertain, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The injury occurred with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Chet Holmgren stripped the ball from Gordon before Alex Caruso dived to regain possession. In the scuffle, Gordon appeared to clutch his hamstring in pain.

Despite continuing to play for about 35 seconds after the incident, Gordon had to leave the game with 1:10 left. He briefly returned before being subbed out for good.

Aaron Gordon is called for the kick ball violation and then he holds his left hamstring
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA)

Afterward, interim coach David Adelman expressed high concern for Gordon’s status heading into Game 7. “At this point, I have no idea. It would be high, obviously,” Adelman shared. “Aaron is crucial to our success.”

Although the full extent of the injury remains unknown, Adelman noted that the two-day break may help. Gordon was not observed with any wrap or ice on his hamstring postgame, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic.

Gordon’s performance has been vital for the Nuggets this postseason. He had been averaging just under 18 points per game before the injury and has been central to Denver’s defense. Without him, the Nuggets will need to find additional scoring and effort from the bench, which has struggled all season. Players like Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson may step up in Gordon’s absence, but losing him would be a significant setback for Denver.