Breakdown
Performance
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February 6, 2026
To miss four weeks
Watson is expected to miss at least four weeks with his Grade 2 right hamstring strain, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports Friday.
Analysis
This is a devastating blow for the Nuggets, and the franchise has had some awful luck with injuries this season. Watson has had a breakout season in Denver, averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals while hitting 41.7 percent from beyond the arc. With Watson sidelined, there will be more opportunities for guys like Julian Strawther, Spencer Jones, Tim Hardaway and maybe even Zeke Nnaji.
February 6, 2026
Dealing w/ Grade 2 hamstring strain
Watson has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, and he's expected to miss an extended amount of time, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
While Watson doesn't have an official timetable to return, it's worth noting that Aaron Gordon missed over a month when he suffered his initial hamstring injury, so Watson's timetable will likely be measured in weeks, not days. Julian Strawther, Spencer Jones, Tim Hardaway and Zeke Nnaji will attempt to help fill the void at the forward spots in Denver while Watson and Gordon are sidelined.
February 5, 2026
Leaves early with hamstring injury
Watson (hamstring) left Wednesday's 134-127 double-overtime loss to the Knicks with 8:30 remaining in the fourth quarter and didn't return. He finished with 10 points (4-13 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block across 33 minutes.
Analysis
Per Katy Winge of Altitude Sports, Watson is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his right hamstring as the Nuggets look to confirm the severity of his injury. If Watson is dealing with a strain rather than minor soreness, he'll most likely wind up missing the Nuggets' next game Saturday in Chicago, and potentially additional contests to follow. Watson has enjoyed a breakout fourth season for Denver and is averaging 17.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.9 three-pointers, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals in 33.4 minutes per game over 38 contests since he moved into a starting role in mid-November.
February 5, 2026
Exits game with hamstring injury
Watson went to the locker room during the fourth quarter of Wednesday's game against the Knicks due to a right hamstring injury, Vic Lombardi of Altitude Sports reports.
Analysis
Watson came up favoring his hamstring and was taken out of the game at the 8:30 mark of the fourth quarter. He has been taken to the locker room, where he will be evaluated by medical staff to determine whether Watson can return to Wednesday's game. Julian Strawther should see a slight uptick in minutes if Watson is unable to return.
February 2, 2026
Shines with team-high 29 points
Watson produced 29 points (11-17 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 2-4 FT), five rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal over 37 minutes during Sunday's 121-111 loss to the Thunder.
Analysis
Watson took care of business for the Nuggets, who are slowly easing Nikola Jokic back to action. Jokic attempted only nine shots in the game and left the heavy lifting to Watson, who drilled five three-pointers and contributed in every major category. Watson has posted totals over 30 points four times this season, and the UCLA product was only a point away from hitting that milestone again.