Nuggets' Peyton Watson Out Week-to-Week with Hamstring Injury

Rookie forward Watson suffered setback after returning from previous hamstring strain

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:12pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, geometric shapes and colors, capturing the explosive energy and movements of a basketball player in action, with the vibrant hues of the Nuggets and Spurs teams.A cubist interpretation of the dynamic matchup between the Nuggets and Spurs, with the looming presence of Wembanyama casting a shadow over the upcoming playoff battle.Denver Today

Peyton Watson, the Denver Nuggets' rookie forward, is considered week-to-week with a right hamstring strain after leaving Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz with tightness in the muscle. Watson had just returned from a previous hamstring injury that sidelined him for six weeks earlier in the season. The Nuggets are hopeful Watson can return before the end of the regular season, but with only five games left and the playoffs approaching, the team will be cautious with his recovery.

Why it matters

Watson has been a key contributor for the Nuggets this season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. His absence is a significant blow as the Nuggets prepare for the playoffs, especially with the potential matchup against the towering French phenom Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

The details

Watson initially injured his right hamstring on February 4th in New York, causing him to miss six weeks. After a slow recovery process, he returned on March 22nd and played in five games before the latest setback. Nuggets coach David Adelman said the team will be 'careful' with Watson's recovery, but also wants him back as soon as he feels comfortable in order to prepare for the playoffs.

  • On February 4th, Watson initially injured his right hamstring.
  • Watson returned to action on March 22nd after missing six weeks.
  • Watson left Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz with tightness in his right hamstring.

The players

Peyton Watson

A 23-year-old rookie forward for the Denver Nuggets who is averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game this season.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

Victor Wembanyama

A 7-foot-4 French phenom who plays for the San Antonio Spurs and is considered a top MVP candidate.

Christian Braun

A guard for the Denver Nuggets.

Tim Hardaway Jr.

A guard for the Denver Nuggets who left Wednesday's game with a knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“'I mean, the hope would be playing next week,' Adelman said after practice Friday. '… I think it's being careful with him. At the same time, competitively, wanting him back as soon as he feels comfortable, and also that week leading into the playoffs, you hope he's able to go through the preparation of what it is to play in a Game 1. So we'll see how it goes.'”

— David Adelman, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets

“'This is the longest I've ever been out, so I thought once I got over the hump of being back that I was gonna stop having problems with my body,' Watson said before the team flew to Utah. 'The first game I came back, I felt amazing. The second game I came back, I felt amazing. But the third and fourth game, I'm like, ah, I kind of feel like how I did some of those days during the rehab process. So I think just, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.'”

— Peyton Watson

“'I think every time you watch (Wembanyama), you see something that you haven't seen before,' Nuggets guard Christian Braun said. 'Obviously, he's a really talented player, something the game has kind of never seen before. So just the way he plays, the way the team plays around him, it seems like they're all really coming together and playing well. So they're a good team. Obviously, Wemby is a different challenge from what we've faced before.'”

— Christian Braun, Guard, Denver Nuggets

“'This team is very underrated for some reason, how deeply and talented they are,' Adelman added. 'Their guard play is as good as anybody in the league. I would say their guard depth would be No. 1, in my opinion.'”

— David Adelman, Head Coach, Denver Nuggets

What’s next

The Nuggets will evaluate Tim Hardaway Jr.'s knee injury again before their game against the Spurs on Saturday. If Wembanyama plays, it will be the first time this season the Nuggets have faced the Spurs' star center.

The takeaway

Watson's latest hamstring setback is a significant blow for the Nuggets as they prepare for the playoffs, especially with the potential matchup against the towering Wembanyama and the Spurs. The team will have to carefully manage Watson's recovery to ensure he's ready to contribute when the postseason begins.