The Nuggets' playoffs prospects looked bleak in Game 5, after Aaron Gordon's injury prevented him from playing against the Timberwolves.

TheDenver Nuggetsreceived a crushing blow moments before Game 5 of their first‑round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Power forward Aaron Gordon has been ruled out of the game due to injury, specifically left calf tightness. Led by head coach David Adelman, the Nuggets headed out to court in a potential elimination game.

Injury Update ahead of tonight's game against the Timberwolves:OUT:Aaron Gordon (Left Calf Tightness)Peyton Watson (Right Hamstring Strain)#MileHighPlayoffspic.twitter.com/vopmlTAsKJ

Gordon's absence leaves a gaping hole in Denver's starting lineup, as the veteran forward has been a linchpin of their defensive switching and offensive spacing throughout the season.

The Nuggets won Game 5 despite the handicap, but they'll have to turn that break into a streak to defeat the Timberwolves. The latter still leads the Round 1 Playoffs match, three versus two.

The injury has been building over the course of the series, with Gordon already missing out on Game 3 after struggling with the calf tightness that has plagued him all season. 'Obviously it's a downer. But it's over. He's not playing, so the guys that are are prepared to win,' Adelman toldNBA.com.

Gordon first felt the injury in Game 2 after scoring eight points. In Game 4, he logged just 23 minutes, finishing with nine points, one rebound, and one block while appearing visibly limited each time he pushed himself off the floor. The Nuggets have also been playing the series without small forward Payton Watson, who is still recovering from a strained hamstring.

Despite the recent win, the injuries add to the Nuggets' frustrating setbacks. The team leaned heavily on Gordon in past playoff runs only to see those efforts undermined by recurring leg issues.

For Game 5, the Nuggets pivoted to Spencer Jones in Gordon's place, hoping the young wing could provide both energy and defensive versatility against Minnesota's balanced attack.

Jones responded with 20 points, three steals, and three blocks while shooting 4‑for‑5 from three and 7‑for‑9 from the field, a performance that will likely test Denver's long‑term plans at the wing position.

Source: International Business Times UK