Nuggets’ Porter Jr. Faces Uncertainty Ahead of Game 3

DENVER (AP) — Michael Porter Jr. participated in a light practice at Ball Arena on Wednesday, raising hopes for his availability in Game 3 of the NBA playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers. The game is scheduled for Thursday night, and Porter’s status remains uncertain following a recent shoulder injury.

Interim coach David Adelman expressed optimism about Porter’s condition. “I’m very optimistic, because I don’t think he gets enough credit for how tough he is, what he’s played through over these years,” Adelman said. “His pain threshold is something that people don’t understand.”

Porter, who recorded 15 points and 15 rebounds in Game 2, sustained a left shoulder sprain when teammate Kris Dunn fell on him late in the fourth quarter. He could not return during the crucial final moments as the Nuggets missed two last-second three-point attempts while trying to secure a win.

Adelman reflected on the situation, saying, “The regret was not the shot we got. It was more that Mike wasn’t on the court.” He noted that even though Porter was in significant pain, he was prepared to rejoin the game. “You don’t want to be on the court when you’re in that kind of pain,” he added.

The Nuggets practiced lightly before traveling to Los Angeles, tied 1-1 in the best-of-seven first-round series. In addition to Porter’s concerns, a stomach bug had been affecting several team members, including Jamal Murray, who played through it in a previous match.

<p“Jamal was very sick, but he was able to play 40-plus minutes,” Adelman noted. “He looked better today.” The team will continue to monitor health issues as they prepare for the critical playoff game.

Porter is wearing a new leg brace after his previous one broke, adding to his challenges. Until he is clear to play, the team may rely more on Peyton Watson and Jaylen Pickett if needed.

Game 3 is set to tip off at 8 p.m. MT on NBA TV and Altitude Sports.