Even If Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun Sit Out Monday Against Philadelphia, Nuggets Fans Shouldn’t Panic

As the Denver Nuggets prepare for a tough back-to-back road game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 5, 2026, the potential absence of recently returned starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun has sparked concern among fans. Both players made their long-awaited comebacks on January 4 against the Brooklyn Nets after extended injury layoffs—Gordon missing 19 games with a right hamstring strain and Braun out 23 games with a left ankle sprain. They played restricted minutes in a 127-115 loss, with Gordon contributing an efficient 20 points in 21 minutes off the bench and Braun adding limited production in 24 minutes as a starter.

Given the quick turnaround and the physical demands of a back-to-back—especially on the second night of a grueling seven-game Eastern road trip—it’s entirely possible that interim head coach David Adelman opts to rest one or both to avoid setbacks. Hamstring and ankle injuries require careful management, and rushing returnees into heavy workloads can lead to re-injury. Yet, despite the Nuggets’ ongoing injury crisis headlined by Nikola Jokić’s four-week absence due to a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, there’s ample reason for optimism. Denver fans shouldn’t hit the panic button just yet.

The Bigger Picture: Health Is Trending Upward

The Nuggets’ injury woes peaked in late December 2025, when Jokić went down in Miami, joining backup center Jonas Valančiūnas (right calf strain, out at least four weeks), forward Cameron Johnson (right knee bone bruise), and the already-sidelined Gordon and Braun. At one point, Denver was missing four of five starters, forcing reliance on young players like DaRon Holmes II, Peyton Watson, and Spencer Jones.

But the tide is turning. Gordon and Braun’s returns on January 4, even on minutes limits, injected athleticism, defense, and versatility that had been sorely missed. Gordon’s explosive dunks and physical presence around the rim provided a spark, while Braun’s hustle—though rusty—bolsters perimeter defense. Their availability, combined with encouraging updates on Jokić, signals that Denver’s core will soon be intact.

Reports from early January indicate the Nuggets are “pleasantly surprised” with Jokić’s progress. The three-time MVP has been moving well in rehab, traveling with the team, and showing no structural damage beyond the initial bone bruise. While the official re-evaluation remains in four weeks (late January), insiders suggest a potential earlier return if trends continue positively. Jokić’s game relies more on skill and IQ than explosive athleticism, aiding a smoother comeback.

Valančiūnas and Johnson are also expected back in the coming weeks, meaning Denver could enter February close to full strength—just in time for a post-All-Star push.

Depth Has Stepped Up When It Matters

Even shorthanded, the Nuggets have shown resilience. They split games without Jokić heading into Brooklyn (a win in Toronto, a competitive loss in Cleveland), with Jamal Murray shouldering the load—evidenced by his 27 points and career-high 16 assists against the Nets. Veterans like Tim Hardaway Jr. (26 points off the bench in Brooklyn) have provided scoring punch, while young contributors are gaining valuable experience.

DaRon Holmes II, a second-year big, made his first NBA start recently and has shown promise filling interior minutes. Peyton Watson’s defense and athleticism have been highlights, and Zeke Nnaji offers additional size. This depth, forged in adversity, will pay dividends when stars return.

Resting Gordon and/or Braun on Monday makes strategic sense in this context. The 76ers game is winnable even without them—Philadelphia has its own issues—and preserving health for the road trip’s finale in Boston (January 7 or 8) and upcoming home games is priority No. 1.

Favorable Schedule and Standings Buffer

Denver entered January with a strong 23-11 record, positioning them solidly in the Western Conference’s top tier. January’s schedule, while road-heavy early, features manageable opponents overall. After Philadelphia and Boston, the Nuggets return home for winnable games against teams like Atlanta.

The loaded West means some slippage is inevitable without Jokić, but competitors like Oklahoma City, Houston, and others have also dealt with inconsistencies. A few losses now won’t derail a season built around playoff excellence. Remember: the 2023 championship Nuggets weathered storms, including injuries, before peaking in the postseason.

Historical precedent supports calm. Teams with superstar talent like Jokić often tread water during absences, then surge upon return. Denver’s coaching staff, led by Adelman in the interim, has emphasized effort and adaptability—qualities that kept games close even in depleted lineups.

Why Resting Gordon and Braun Could Be a Blessing

If Gordon and Braun sit Monday, it’s not a sign of regression but smart load management. Gordon, in particular, looked explosive in bursts against Brooklyn but was limited to 21 minutes. Pushing him too soon risks aggravating the hamstring—a soft-tissue injury notorious for lingering.

Braun admitted post-Nets to heavy legs after his layoff. A rest day allows better integration moving forward. Their returns already flipped Denver from “desperate for bodies” to “building momentum.”

Fans saw glimpses of the full potential: Murray orchestrating, Gordon slamming, and the bench contributing. Full health looms, and that’s the real prize.

The Jamal Murray Factor and Offensive Firepower

Murray’s play has been a silver lining. Nursing a minor ankle issue but listed probable consistently, he’s elevated to near-All-Star form without Jokić’s gravity. His playmaking opens opportunities for shooters like Hardaway and Watson.

Offensively, Denver remains elite when healthy, and even depleted, they’ve scored efficiently in stretches. Defense is the bigger concern without Jokić’s rim protection, but Gordon/Braun’s athleticism addresses that directly. Their eventual unrestricted minutes will stabilize the unit.

Long-Term Outlook: Contenders When Healthy

The Nuggets are built for May and June, not necessarily January survival mode. A healthy Jokić-Murray-Gordon-Braun core, plus depth pieces, matches up with any contender. Past seasons show Denver thrives in high-stakes environments.

Panic implies irreversible damage; this is temporary. Seeds planted now—young players developing, veterans staying sharp—will bloom later.

As Adelman noted pre-Brooklyn: “We needed healthy players desperately.” They got two back, and more are coming. Even if Monday features restrictions or absences for Gordon and Braun, it’s part of the process.

Nuggets Nation: Breathe easy. The storm is passing, and clearer skies—and a deep playoff run—await.