Christian Braun Cleared to Return Sunday After 23-Game Absence as Nuggets Get Key Wing Back

In a much-needed boost for the injury-ravaged Denver Nuggets, third-year wing Christian Braun has been officially cleared to play in Sunday’s road game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 4, 2026. The 24-year-old guard/forward has missed the last 23 games with a significant left ankle sprain suffered on November 12, 2025, against the Los Angeles Clippers. According to Sharif Phillips-Keaton of USA Today, interim head coach David Adelman confirmed pregame that both Braun and fellow starter Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain) will be available, though both will operate under minutes restrictions in their returns.

While it remains unclear whether Braun will reclaim his starting spot immediately or come off the bench, his availability alone represents a major step forward for a Nuggets team desperately needing healthy bodies amid a brutal injury stretch. Denver has been without three-time MVP Nikola Jokić since December 29 (left knee hyperextension and bone bruise), backup center Jonas Valančiūnas (calf strain), and others, forcing heavy reliance on Jamal Murray and a patchwork supporting cast.

Braun’s return, even in a limited capacity, injects athleticism, perimeter defense, and relentless energy—qualities that have been sorely missed during his lengthy absence.

The Injury and Recovery Timeline

Braun’s ankle sprain occurred early in what was shaping up as a breakout season. The former Kansas Jayhawk, selected 21st overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, had firmly established himself as a full-time starter alongside Jokić, Murray, Gordon, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s replacement. Through the first 12 games, Braun was averaging career highs across the board—approximately 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals on improved efficiency, including 39% from three-point range.

The injury happened in routine fashion: a drive to the basket, a rolled ankle on a defender’s foot, and immediate pain that sidelined him for the remainder of that contest. Initial fears of a high-ankle sprain requiring months proved overly pessimistic, but the Nuggets took a cautious approach, holding him out through the entire month of December to ensure full healing.

Rehab progressed steadily behind the scenes. Braun was frequently spotted working on the court during practices, gradually ramping up contact and lateral movement. By late December, reports indicated he was close, with the team targeting early January for return. The final hurdle cleared in the 48 hours leading into the Nets game, earning him the green light.

Minutes Restriction and Role Uncertainty

Coach Adelman was candid about managing expectations. “We’ve had a good 48 hours with those two guys,” he told reporters. “Thank God. We could use the bodies.” Both Braun and Gordon—out since November 21 with his hamstring issue—will be capped in minutes, likely in the 20-25 range to start.

The starting lineup decision adds intrigue. Pre-injury, Braun was entrenched as the starting shooting guard/small forward, providing defensive versatility and cutting ability that meshed perfectly with Jokić’s playmaking. In his absence, Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, and rookies like Spencer Jones have filled the void, with Watson earning praise for his length and activity.

Adelman may opt to bring one or both returnees off the bench to ease integration, preserving chemistry with the group that has kept Denver afloat. Braun’s energy and hustle make him an ideal spark-plug reserve, but his pre-injury production (consistent double-figure scoring) suggests he’ll quickly reclaim starting duties once restrictions lift.

What Braun Brings to a Depleted Roster

Even limited minutes from Braun provide immediate upgrades in several areas:

• Perimeter Defense: Braun’s calling card since college, he routinely takes tough assignments—guarding wings, sliding on drives, and disrupting passing lanes. Without Jokić’s rim protection, Denver’s defense has slipped; Braun’s activity helps compensate.
• Transition Play: One of the league’s best in the open floor, Braun finishes strong at the rim and pushes tempo relentlessly.
• Cutting and Off-Ball Movement: Jokić thrives with cutters; even without the MVP (and potentially for weeks), Braun’s smart relocation and backdoor cuts create easy buckets.
• Shooting Improvement: His three-point stroke has progressed each season. At 39% pre-injury, he spaces the floor better than replacement options.
• Intangibles: Known for high motor and winning plays, Braun embodies the Nuggets’ culture forged during their 2023 championship run, where he contributed meaningfully as a rookie.

Context Within Denver’s Injury Crisis

Braun’s clearance arrives at a pivotal moment. The Nuggets entered January at 23-11, holding third in the Western Conference, but Jokić’s hyperextension in Miami on December 29 sparked fears of a prolonged slide. Encouragingly, recent reports suggest Denver is “pleasantly surprised” with Jokić’s early movement and lack of setbacks, though the four-week re-evaluation timeline holds.

Valančiūnas’s calf strain further thinned the frontcourt, forcing small-ball lineups. Gordon’s simultaneous return doubles the positive news, restoring athleticism on both ends. Together, Braun and Gordon should stabilize rotations, easing Murray’s burden (he’s played heavy minutes while battling a minor ankle issue).

Young players like Watson and DaRon Holmes II have gained invaluable experience, but veteran presence returns just in time for a seven-game Eastern road trip.

Performance Expectations and Ramp-Up Plan

Fantasy managers and fans alike wonder what to expect Sunday. Restricted to low-20s minutes, Braun likely posts modest stat lines initially—perhaps 8-12 points, a handful of rebounds, and strong defense. Rust is inevitable after nearly two months off; timing and explosiveness may lag early.

However, history favors optimism. Braun returned strong from minor ailments last season, quickly regaining form. His game isn’t predicated on elite burst but rather effort and IQ—traits that translate immediately.

Over the next week, minutes should increase progressively, assuming no soreness. By mid-January, he could approach 30+ minutes regularly, coinciding with hoped-for updates on Jokić.

Broader Implications for the Nuggets’ Season

Denver’s title defense hinges on health. The 2023 champions proved resilient, overcoming mid-season hurdles before peaking in the playoffs. This group—led by Jokić and Murray—remains among the West’s elite when whole.

Braun’s emergence as a starter was a key development last season and continued this year. His two-way impact complements the stars perfectly, providing the connective tissue championship teams need.

Getting him and Gordon back, even restricted, allows Denver to tread water until Jokić’s return (potentially late January if progress accelerates). January’s schedule offers winnable games; surviving at .500 or better keeps them in striking distance of top seeding.

Fan and Media Reaction

Nuggets Twitter erupted with relief upon the news. Clips of Braun’s pre-injury highlights circulated, reminding fans of his dunking prowess and timely threes. Analysts praised Denver’s patient approach, noting rushed returns often lead to re-injury (especially ankles and hamstrings).

USA Today’s Phillips-Keaton captured the sentiment: Braun has “progressed enough in his recovery” to contribute meaningfully, even if not at full capacity yet.

Looking Ahead: Integration and Beyond

Sunday against Brooklyn marks the first test. The Nets, led by former Nugget Michael Porter Jr., present scoring threats, making Braun’s defensive versatility valuable—even in limited minutes.

Post-Nets, a back-to-back in Philadelphia looms January 5, where rest for one or both returnees is possible. Long-term, full health by February positions Denver for another deep run.

Christian Braun’s clearance is more than roster depth—it’s a sign the Nuggets’ injury cloud is lifting. After 23 games sidelined, the gritty wing is back, ready to help Denver weather the storm until their Joker returns.