Three Players to Watch for in Nuggets' Final Six Games

Denver's playoff push hinges on the health and production of these key contributors.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With just six games left in the regular season, the Denver Nuggets are looking to secure a top playoff position. The team has dealt with injuries and inconsistencies, so three Nuggets players will be crucial to watch in the final stretch: Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun.

Why it matters

The Nuggets are contenders for the NBA championship this season, but they need their key players healthy and performing at a high level to make a deep playoff run. These three players can significantly impact the team's success if they can regain their form and contribute consistently.

The details

Peyton Watson recently returned from a six-week injury absence and is on a minute restriction, but the Nuggets expect him to see increased playing time in the final games. Aaron Gordon has also dealt with hamstring and calf injuries, and the team has been cautious with his return. Christian Braun, who signed a big contract extension, has been inconsistent this season and needs to find his rhythm to be a valuable fourth option for the Nuggets.

  • The Nuggets have just six games left in the regular season.
  • Peyton Watson returned from injury four games ago and is expected to play more minutes in the next game against the Utah Jazz.
  • Aaron Gordon has missed time due to hamstring and calf injuries, but the Nuggets are hoping to have him healthy for the playoffs.

The players

Peyton Watson

A standout forward for the Denver Nuggets who was in the middle of a breakout year before suffering a six-week injury. The Nuggets are looking to ramp up his minutes as they head into the playoffs.

Aaron Gordon

A key player for the Nuggets who has dealt with multiple hamstring and calf injuries this season. The Nuggets need him healthy and playing at a high level for their playoff push.

Christian Braun

A guard for the Nuggets who signed a big contract extension but has been inconsistent this season. The Nuggets need him to find his rhythm and be a valuable fourth option as they head into the playoffs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's been frustrating with the minute restriction, but it is what it is. It probably is best for my health. I think we're looking to ramp me up here in the next game, maybe knock my minutes up some.”

— Peyton Watson

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to have Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun fully healthy and playing at a high level in the final six games of the regular season as they prepare for a deep playoff run.

The takeaway

The Nuggets' championship aspirations this season hinge on the health and production of Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun. If these three players can regain their form and contribute consistently, the Nuggets will be a formidable team in the playoffs.