Nuggets Star Receives Big Injury Update After Game 3 Loss to Clippers

Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. receives big injury update after Game 3 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers

Apr 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) moves to the basket against Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) during the first half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets' two best players are pretty clearly Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, and that was evident during their Game 3 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. Murray and Jokic both scored 23 points, but their teammates weren't able to contribute enough offensively as they fell 117-83 in a blowout loss.

However, the supporting cast for Denver is still strong on paper, but has been weakened due to the condition of Michael Porter Jr., their star forward. After suffering a shoulder injury in Game 2, Porter Jr. continued to be bothered by it on Thursday night, as was seen by his two-for-nine shooting performance. After the game, a significant update was provided on his injury status.

Michael Porter Jr said his left shoulder injury is normally a 4-5 week injury. He said it was like 20-30 percent today. He’ll try to play Saturday but wants to make sure he’s actually helping the team. He felt very limited today. Source told ESPN that Porter Jr had a Grade 2…

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) April 25, 2025

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Porter Jr.'s left shoulder injury is typically one that would last four to five weeks, however, the circumstances in place mean he has to tough through it. In addition, Porter Jr. said he was between 20%-30% healed with the injury for Thursday's game, but is trying to play through what he can.

Furthermore, Porter Jr. wants to be there for his team for Game 4 on Saturday, but there's no denying the injury is and could further hold him back. Diagnosed as a Grade 2 sprain, the Nuggets will struggle to even up the series or just avoid a series loss if Porter Jr. isn't in playing condition.

MPJ says his shoulder injury is usually a 4- to 5-week deal: “If I can go out there and feel more confident that I can help the team, then I’m gonna play. If it’s still in a place like it is today and I don’t feel like I can help the team at all, then there’s no point.”

— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) April 25, 2025

Game 4 in Los Angeles is set to tip-off at 6:00 p.m. EST, with the Nuggets in jeopardy of falling down 3-1 in the series.

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