Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is a game-time decision for Sunday’s Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder after straining his left hamstring late in Game 6, as reported by Nuggets interim coach David Adelman.

“He just went through the walkthrough,” Adelman said. “Game-time decision, obviously. But he fully was part of it, the game plan on both sides of the ball. If Aaron can play, he will play.”

Gordon “looked normal,” Adelman remarked, while expressing optimism about his performance if he participates.

If Gordon cannot play, the Nuggets are preparing alternatives.

“We walked through a lot of stuff today with different people having [his] responsibilities,” Adelman stated. “But, like I said, the hope is the responsibilities will be Aaron’s.”

Gordon’s impact on the Nuggets has been significant throughout the playoffs. After his last-second dunk secured a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 4 and his clutch shots in the series against the Thunder, his absence could hinder the team’s efforts.

The Nuggets are currently eight-point underdogs, with expectations fluctuating based on Gordon’s potential availability. Should he play, he’s expected to enhance their chances significantly; if not, other players like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson will need to step up in critical situations alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray.

Adelman also noted the benefit of having more than one day’s rest between games, allowing Gordon some time to recover and the team to strategize for the significant match ahead.