Nuggets' Gordon out for Game 3 with calf injury

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon won't play in Thursday's Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a calf injury, the team announced.

Gordon was originally listed as probable with left calf tightness before being downgraded to out.

Second-year forward Spencer Jones took Gordon's spot in the starting lineup.

Gordon played 37 minutes in the previous contest, tallying eight points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

He struggled to stay healthy during the regular season, making a career-low 36 appearances due to a pair of hamstring strains.

The former No. 4 overall pick was a key part of the Nuggets' 2023 championship squad. He has served as Denver's top perimeter defender since joining the team in March 2021.

This season, the Nuggets are allowing 4.5 more points per 100 possessions when Gordon's off the floor.