The Denver Nuggets have endured a challenging 2025-26 NBA season, marked by a series of significant injuries that have disrupted their usual momentum. At the forefront of this issue is Nikola Jokic, who missed nearly a month of action. However, the team’s struggles extend beyond just Jokic’s absence. Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, and Jonas Valančiūnas have all been sidelined for 11 games or more due to various injuries. Despite these setbacks, there are signs that the Nuggets are beginning to turn things around.

Jokic made a strong return in his first game back from a 16-game absence on Friday, showcasing his usual dominance. This came shortly after Valančiūnas also returned from an 11-game injury layoff. Now, the team is getting closer to seeing another key player, Christian Braun, make his way back onto the court.

Ahead of their crucial matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, the Nuggets have upgraded Braun’s status to “doubtful” as he continues to recover from a left ankle sprain. While he will not be available for the game, this update is seen as a positive step forward.

Braun’s journey back has been anything but straightforward. He initially missed 23 consecutive games after sustaining an ankle sprain in mid-November. He made his return on January 4, playing three out of four games before re-injuring his ankle. Since then, he has been sidelined for the last 11 games with the same issue.

What makes Braun’s injury particularly notable is the length of his absence. Ankle sprains rarely keep players off the floor for such an extended period, which suggests the severity of his condition. However, the Nuggets’ head coach, David Adelman, has expressed confidence that Braun, along with Cam Johnson, should be able to return before the All-Star break. This upgrade in Braun’s status is a promising sign for the team.

Last season, Braun was a standout performer for the Nuggets, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His efficient shooting splits—58.0% from the field, 39.7% from three-point range, and 82.7% from the free-throw line—were instrumental in earning him a massive five-year contract extension worth $125 million, set to take effect next season.

However, this season has been a different story for Braun. His ankle injury has undoubtedly played a role, but he has also struggled to find his rhythm on the court. In just 14 appearances, he has averaged 9.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, shooting 45.9% from the field and a concerning 21.2% from beyond the arc.

With his return on the horizon, the Nuggets are hoping that Braun can rediscover the form that made him such a valuable asset last season. For now, the team’s primary focus remains on simply getting him back into the lineup and ensuring he stays healthy.

The Nuggets will host the Thunder at 7:30 p.m. MT on Sunday in a high-stakes matchup featuring Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The game will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock.

Key Points About Christian Braun’s Injury

• Braun suffered a left ankle sprain in mid-November, leading to a 23-game absence.
• He returned on January 4 but re-injured his ankle after playing three of four games.
• Since then, he has missed the last 11 games with the same issue.
• His injury is unusual given the typical recovery time for an ankle sprain.

What to Expect From Braun Moving Forward

• Head coach David Adelman has indicated that Braun should return before the All-Star break.
• The Nuggets hope he can regain his previous level of performance once he returns.
• His current stats this season (9.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists) fall short of last year’s production.

Upcoming Game Details

• Denver vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
• Date: Sunday
• Time: 7:30 p.m. MT
• Broadcast: NBC and Peacock

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