Nuggets Provide Cameron Johnson Injury Update After Late Exit

The Denver Nuggets forward left the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a right ankle injury and did not return.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson left the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a right ankle injury and did not return. Nuggets head coach David Adelman said the injury had been bothering Johnson heading into the game and affected his play, as he finished with 0 points on 0-6 shooting. Adelman expressed confidence in Johnson as the team's starting small forward, but acknowledged that others need to step up when he is unable to play at 100%. Johnson was not optimistic about his status for the team's upcoming game against the Utah Jazz.

Why it matters

The Nuggets have been dealing with injuries to key players throughout the season, and Johnson's injury is the latest setback. As a valuable trade addition this offseason, the team needs Johnson to be healthy and productive in order to reach their full potential. His absence could force the Nuggets to adjust their lineup and rotation, putting more pressure on other players to step up.

The details

Johnson left the game in the second half after playing 23 minutes. He was listed as doubtful to return and ended up sitting out the rest of the game. Adelman said the injury had been bothering Johnson heading into the game and affected his play, as he finished with 0 points on 0-6 shooting. The Nuggets are hoping Johnson can get healthy before their next game against the Utah Jazz, but Johnson was not optimistic about his status for that matchup.

  • Johnson left the game in the second half.
  • Johnson was listed as doubtful to return.

The players

Cameron Johnson

A starting forward for the Denver Nuggets who left the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a right ankle injury.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

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What they’re saying

“He did not move well today. Obviously, Cam knows we're out a lot of people at the wing position, so he fought through it. And I think it obviously affected his game. He had a hard time moving side to side. He'll get checked on now before we head to Utah. Hoping for better news, but it was hurting him tonight, throughout the OKC game.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach

“Cam's our starting small forward. I trust him. Tonight, his body just wasn't there. If Cam's out, somebody else has to step up. That's what we've done throughout the season. We were searching for someone to give us some energy. I actually thought Jalen Pickett's minutes were pretty good. He came in and gave us something. We need more of that from more people.”

— David Adelman, Head Coach

What’s next

Cam Johnson was "not optimistic" about his status for the Nuggets' upcoming game against the Utah Jazz due to the ankle injury.

The takeaway

The Nuggets have relied on Cameron Johnson as a key part of their rotation, but his latest injury setback highlights the team's need for other players to step up when he is unable to contribute at full strength. The team will need to find ways to fill Johnson's void in the lineup and maintain their competitiveness while he recovers.