David Adelman said Wednesday he is hopeful Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones will be available for Game 1 of Denver’s first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves on Saturday at 1:30 p.m., even though neither wing had been cleared yet. Both players took part in a non-contact practice at Ball Arena as the Nuggets tried to get healthier before the start of the postseason.
Watson and Jones are both dealing with right hamstring injuries, a problem that has complicated Denver’s rotation at a time when perimeter defense matters most. Watson’s issue is a reaggravation of the strain he suffered in early February. Jones missed the last six games of the regular season after hamstring tightness surfaced at the start of April.
“It’s nice to have some days to get people right,” Adelman said, adding that he hopes “Spence and Peyton, it gives them a better chance to come back and play, which is good for us” and helps them get their bodies and minds right for the challenge ahead. The Nuggets have had health issues throughout the season and are hoping to have their full rotation available when the playoffs begin.
The immediate task is clear: Denver needs bodies it can trust against Anthony Edwards. Adelman said Christian Braun will guard Edwards in the starting lineup, and Braun said the Minnesota star is shooting more and shooting better than in past playoff meetings. “He can do a little bit of everything,” Braun said, describing Edwards as physical and difficult to stay down on because of the pump fakes, sweep-through moves and all-around skill.
Jokic was even more direct. He called Edwards one of the hardest offensive players to guard, pointing to his change of pace, finishing ability, separation and shot-making. “And (he has) an ability to make tough shots,” Jokic said. “So he’s definitely one of the hardest offensive players to guard. He can do a post-up. He can do a midrange. He’s really good 1-on-1.”
Denver and Minnesota are meeting in the playoffs for the third time in four years, but Adelman said the Nuggets have tried to treat this series as separate from the versions that played out in 2023 and 2024. He noted that Nickeil Alexander-Walker is not on this Timberwolves team, while Denver no longer has Russell Westbrook or KCP, making this matchup a different one even with familiar stakes. For the Nuggets, the hope is that Watson and Jones can make it through one more clean day and give the roster a better chance to start the series intact.