Nuggets' Watson Trending Towards Return vs Blazers

Denver's two-way wing star is set to make his return after missing six weeks with a hamstring injury.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:19pm

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The Denver Nuggets are expecting to get their rising two-way wing Peyton Watson back against the Portland Trail Blazers this weekend after he missed the past six weeks of the season with a hamstring strain. Watson has been upgraded to questionable ahead of the matchup, and his return would give the Nuggets a fully healthy rotation for the first time since November.

Why it matters

Watson's return is a big boost for the Nuggets as they look to gain consistency in the final month of the regular season and make a push for the playoffs. However, his return also presents a tough rotation decision for head coach David Adelman, as one of Denver's six core players will likely have to come off the bench.

The details

Before his injury, Watson had been a nightly starter for the Nuggets, starting 38 consecutive games. But in his first game back, the Nuggets are likely to bring him off the bench and limit his minutes as they look to ease him back in and avoid any setbacks with the hamstring injury. In the 10 games Watson has come off the bench this season, his numbers have been down compared to when he's started.

  • Watson has been upgraded to questionable for the Nuggets' game against the Trail Blazers on Sunday, March 23, 2026.
  • Watson has been out for the past six weeks with a hamstring strain.

The players

Peyton Watson

A two-way wing player for the Denver Nuggets who was in the midst of a career-best season before suffering a hamstring injury six weeks ago.

David Adelman

The head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

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What they’re saying

“Injury Report ahead of tomorrow's game against the Trail Blazers: QUESTIONABLE: Peyton Watson (Right Hamstring Strain)”

— Denver Nuggets

What’s next

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The takeaway

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