Apr 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts after a play with Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) as guard Kris Dunn (8) and guard Christian Braun (0) push each other as forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) looks on in the third quarter during game two of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

David Adelman Provides Injury Update On Nuggets Star

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 2:42 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets were unable to defend their home court in Game 2, as the Los Angeles Clippers walked away with a 105-102 win to even the series up heading back to Los Angeles for the first-ever playoff game at the Intuit Dome. But given the star power of these two teams, neither of them was going to go down without a fight.

Now moving to Game 3 in Los Angeles, Denver will not only be looking to slow down players like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, but also cut back on their own mistakes. However, Michael Porter Jr.'s injury status has come into question, as Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman addressed the situation with Game 3 on Thursday.

Nuggets didn’t do much at practice today but Michael Porter Jr did participate. Coach Adelman says he’s not sure if Porter will play tomorrow in Game 3.

Says Porter doesn’t get enough credit for his toughness. “If he can play, he will.” pic.twitter.com/husVoGn8q1
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) April 23, 2025

While Porter Jr. did participate in practice for Denver on Wednesday, coach Adelman shared that he's not sure if Porter Jr. will be good to play for Game 3, but "if he can play, he will.”

Porter Jr. suffered an injury to his shoulder in Denver's Game 2 loss, but was still able to post 15 points and 15 rebounds in a bounce-back performance after his poor Game 1 effort that saw him sitting on the bench late in the game. If Denver can get the productive jump shooting and rebounding version of him for the remainder of the series, he can sway the series in their favor.

Adelman: Nuggets "very optimistic" Michael Porter Jr. (shoulder) will be available to play on Thursday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 23, 2025

If Porter Jr. is unable to go for Game 3 on Thursday, Denver will likely rely more on reserves Peyton Watson and Russell Westbrook to fill in his minutes in the rotation. Tip-off for that game is set for 10:00 p.m. EST.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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