Spencer

Jones

For the third time in this series, the Nuggets will be without their starting power forward. The versatile two-way forward has struggled with injuries throughout his 12th NBA season, and has played in only three of the five playoff games so far, averaging 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Without Gordon, Spencer Jones should fill in again as the fifth starter. Jones scored 20 points and made four three-pointers in Denver’s Game 5 victory.

Gordon did not play in Denver’s Game 5 victory on Monday, resulting in a move into the starting lineup for Spencer Jones. Shooting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, Jones tallied 20 points, three steals and three blocked shots to help the Nuggets keep their season alive. He’ll get another start if Gordon remains out for another game.

Jones averaged just 5.5 points during the regular season and was yet to make his mark on these playoffs. In Games 3 and 4, he had six points in 53 minutes combined. With Aaron Gordon (calf) out for Game 5, Jones moved into the starting lineup and had 20 points in 37 minutes. Regardless of Gordon’s status, if Jones can somehow sustain this level of play, it would be a huge development for the Nuggets.

Gordon played 23 minutes in Saturday’s Game 4 loss to the Timberwolves before heading to the locker room in the third quarter. Despite the Nuggets saying he was available, Gordon didn’t return to the court. Now he’s been ruled out for Game 5. Expect Spencer Jones to start in his place.

Gordon, who played 23 minutes in Game 3, did not return after a third-quarter trip to the locker room despite the Nuggets saying that he was available. With the Nuggets’ backs against the wall, it would be unsurprising if he gave it a go on Monday. If Gordon can’t play, Spencer Jones is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup, but he offers little value on the offensive end.

Back in action after a one-game absence, Gordon was placed in the starting lineup immediately. While he did play 23 minutes, the veteran forward did not appear to be himself. While the Nuggets said Gordon was available to return after a trip to the locker room during the third quarter, he did not. After the game, Nuggets head coach David Adelman said he believed it would be “unfair” to leave Gordon in. The Nuggets host Game 5 on Monday, and Spencer Jones (four rebounds, one steal and two blocks) may have to return to the starting lineup if Gordon can’t go.

Gordon is back after sitting out the Nuggets’ Game 3 loss on Thursday night. How much he’ll play is unknown, but Gordon’s return means fewer minutes for spot starter Spencer Jones.

Jones got the start for the injured Aaron Gordon (calf) but didn’t make much of an impact. In his 28 minutes, he made his only two three-point shots but was otherwise mostly unproductive in terms of his counting stats. If Gordon misses Game 4, there’s a chance Jones could start again.

Gordon’s absence on Thursday leaves a big hole in Denver’s starting lineup. The Nuggets will go with Jones in the frontcourt, who started over half of his 64 regular-season games for the Nuggets. He’s seen limited minutes and provided minimal production off the bench in the first two games of the opening-round series against Minnesota.

Jones was initially listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, but has since been ruled in for Game 1 against the Timberwolves on Saturday. The 24-year-old forward averaged 22.1 minutes per game this year, but hasn’t played since March 29. Jones figures to play rotation minutes off the bench, though teams have been known to play their starters heavy minutes in the playoffs.