21Breakdown
Performance
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March 23, 2026
Scores 14 points in return
Watson (hamstring) accumulated 14 points (6-13 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), six rebounds and three assists over 20 minutes during Sunday's 128-112 victory over the Trail Blazers.
Analysis
Watson brought some gritty energy to the second unit, and he was moving around great in his first game back following a seven-week absence. That said, the Nuggets open Week 22 with a Tuesday-Wednesday back-to-back set, so managers will need to be on alert for a potential maintenance day.
March 22, 2026
Officially active Sunday
Watson is officially active for Sunday's game against Portland.
Analysis
Watson was already expected to be available after missing over seven weeks because of a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old will operate under a minutes restriction, according to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, so it's unknown how much he'll impact things on both ends of the floor.
March 22, 2026
Facing minutes restriction Sunday
Watson (hamstring) will operate on a minutes restriction in Sunday's game against Portland, according to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.
Analysis
Watson is still officially listed as questionable for Sunday's contest, but according to a recent report from Shams Charania of ESPN, he's expected to suit up. The 23-year-old was enjoying a career-best season prior to his injury, and considering he's been sidelined since Feb. 7, he's likely to operate under a minutes restriction.
March 21, 2026
Officially listed as questionable
Watson (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against Portland.
Analysis
A previous report from Shams Charania of ESPN noted Watson is expected to be available for Sunday's contest, but the 23-year-old forward has been officially labeled questionable. Still, fantasy managers should plan for Watson making his return from a 19-game absence. Given the lengthy layoff, Watson could be under a minutes restriction Sunday.
March 21, 2026
Slated to return Sunday
Watson (hamstring) is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Analysis
Watson has not played since Feb. 4 due to a right hamstring strain, but it appears the fourth-year pro has progressed enough in his recovery to return for the Nuggets on Sunday. He'll likely operate under a minutes restriction, and his return would mean that less bench minutes would be available for the likes of Tim Hardaway and Julian Strawther. Prior to his injury, Watson was averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 threes, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals over 30.7 minutes per game.
March 19, 2026
Remains out for Friday
Watson (hamstring) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Toronto.
Analysis
Watson hasn't played since Feb. 4 due to a right hamstring strain. While he'll miss a 19th consecutive contest Friday, the Nuggets are hopeful that the fourth-year forward will return to the hardwood in the near future. Spencer Jones will likely continue to see increased burn for as long as Watson is sidelined. His next chance to return will come Sunday against Portland.
March 18, 2026
Ruled out Wednesday
Watson (hamstring) is out for Wednesday's game against Memphis.
Analysis
Although Watson will miss an 18th straight contest due to a right hamstring strain, it sounds like he's on the cusp of making his return to the floor. The Nuggets expressed optimism Monday that Watson would play at some point this week, per Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette, so the forward will next set his sights toward Friday's tilt against Toronto as a possible return date.
March 16, 2026
Won't play Tuesday
Watson (hamstring) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the 76ers.
Analysis
Watson will miss a 17th consecutive game due to a right hamstring strain. The Nuggets are hopeful the young forward can return to game action this week, with opportunities Wednesday against the Grizzlies and Friday versus the Raptors looming. Until Watson is cleared, Tim Hardaway should continue to see extended run on the wing.