29Breakdown
Performance
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December 24, 2025
Good to go vs. Dallas
Watson (lower body) is available for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks.
Analysis
Watson has been cleared to play in a second consecutive game while managing a right trunk contusion. The third-year forward has been a permanent member in the Nuggets' starting lineup since Nov. 15, and over his last 15 outings he has averaged 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 threes and 1.1 blocks over 30.1 minutes per game.
December 23, 2025
Probable for Tuesday
Watson is probable for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks with a right trunk contusion.
Analysis
Watson was able to play through this injury Monday against the Jazz, finishing with 20 points (7-9 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 28 minutes. For now, the Nuggets expect him to push through the pain once again.
December 23, 2025
Strong performance in return
Watson closed Monday's 135-112 victory over Utah with 20 points (7-9 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 28 minutes.
Analysis
Watson returned to action after missing the past two games due to a trunk injury. In what was clearly a favorable matchup, Watson delivered an efficient 20 points, continuing his breakout season. Both Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) remain sidelined, making Watson an intriguing addition to any standard league roster.
December 23, 2025
Getting green light Monday
Watson (side) will play Monday against the Jazz.
Analysis
Watson will return to the hardwood Monday after missing two matchups with a side injury. He should slot into the starting five in his return, which will presumably bump Tim Hardaway back to a bench role.
December 22, 2025
Iffy for Monday
Watson (side) is questionable for Monday's game against the Jazz.
Analysis
Watson, who has missed the past two games for Denver, remains day-to-day. Over his last 10 games, Watson has averaged 13.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 blocks in 28.7 minutes per contest. If he's sidelined again, Tim Hardaway might draw another start.
December 20, 2025
Won't play Saturday
Watson (side) won't play Saturday against the Rockets, Bennett Durando of The Denver Post reports.
Analysis
Watson will miss a second straight game Saturday, but the forward remains day-to-day. In his absence, guys like Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway and Zeke Nnaji could absorb more minutes for Denver.
December 19, 2025
Chance to play Saturday
Watson (side) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Rockets.
Analysis
Watson was unable to play against the Magic on Thursday due to a right trunk contusion, but he may limit his absence to one game if he's cleared to return Saturday. He was in the Nuggets' starting lineup in the 14 games prior to Thursday's contest, and over that span he averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.6 threes and 1.1 blocks over 30.2 minutes per game.
December 19, 2025
Not playing Thursday
Watson (side) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Magic.
Analysis
Watson is dealing with a right trunk contusion, which will result in him missing his first game of the season. He has started in each of the Nuggets' last 14 games, so his absence opens the door for Tim Hardaway or Zeke Nnaji to enter Denver's starting lineup. Watson's next opportunity to play is Saturday against the Rockets.