The Injury Factor

Denver faces its biggest challenge yet as forward Aaron Gordon battles a left Hamstring Strain sustained in Game 6's final moments. The power forward's status remains uncertain for Sunday's winner-takes-all matchup at Oklahoma City's Paycom Center.

Gordon's Playoff Impact

• Second-highest contributor: 16.8 PPG / 7.3 RPG / 2.9 APG
• Shooting efficiency: 48.5% FG / 38.2% 3PT
• Defensive anchor: Held Thunder stars to 29% combined shooting

Denver's Contingency Plan

If Gordon sits, the Nuggets must rely on:

• Nikola Jokic: Coming off 29-point, 14-rebound Game 6 performance
• Jamal Murray: Scored 25 in last outing
• Bench Options: Peyton Watson (5.2 PPG playoffs) or Julian Strawther (3.8 PPG)

Thunder's Home Court Advantage

• 12-4 home playoff record this postseason
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 32 PPG last three games
• Chet Holmgren's 19/11 Game 6 showing

Game-Changing Factors

• Denver's three-point struggles: MPJ (28.1%) and Braun (29.7%)
• OKC bench outscored Denver's reserves 32-18 in Game 6
• Nuggets' 2-0 record in elimination games this postseason

Key Decision Timeline

Gordon's status will be announced 90 minutes before tip-off (3:30 PM ET ABC). Medical staff faces tough choices:

• Risk further injury vs championship aspirations
• Two days' rest since injury
• Potential limited minutes scenario

Final Outlook

With Gordon: Nuggets' championship experience could prevail
Without Gordon: Thunder's depth and home crowd become decisive factors

Projected Outcome

Thunder 108, Nuggets 104 (assuming Gordon plays <25 minutes)