Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr. listed on Denver Nuggets' injury report for Game 5 against Clippers
The Denver Nuggets are gearing up for a pivotal Game 5 showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, but they might have a few hurdles to overcome related to some key injuries. When the ball tips off at 10 p.m. ET on TNT, the Nuggets have listed Russell Westbrook as questionable due to a troublesome left foot, and Michael Porter Jr. as probable with a left shoulder sprain.
In the Nuggets' winning effort in Game 4, Westbrook was nowhere to be found, continuing to grapple with the foot woe that initially cropped up earlier in the series. After showcasing his skills in Game 3, logging nine minutes off the bench, his participation in Game 5 remains uncertain as a decision about his availability will come closer to game time.
On the other hand, Porter Jr. has been managing a shoulder sprain that he sustained during Game 2, but he put in a commendable performance in the Nuggets' Game 4 victory. Despite the injury, he delivered 17 points, four boards, and two dimes, shooting 60% from the field and 57% from beyond the arc, all over 42 minutes of play.
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Buffing Up: Injury Updates for Game 5
### Russell Westbrook
Westbrook's left foot injury has put his availability for Game 5 in doubt. He has been struggling with this issue since it cropped up during the series. While Westbrook's energy and defensive presence have been valuable for Denver's second unit, his status for Game 5 is uncertain[4][5][6].
Michael Porter Jr.
Although Porter Jr.'s shoulder injury may raise concerns, he is more likely to feature in Game 5. His solid performance in Game 4, even with the shoulder sprain, emphasizes his determination to contribute to the team's success[5][6].
The stalemate stands at 2-2 in the series with the Nuggets regaining momentum after splitting the first two games at home and grabbing a win in Los Angeles. With a chance to establish a 3-2 series lead, the Nuggets will see their final injury report closely before tipoff, particularly Westbrook's status due to the need for backcourt depth against the Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard. Porter Jr.'s availability will also be crucial as the Nuggets aim to protect their home court and move a step closer to the second round.
[1]Scrollthroughs Sports (2021). Russell Westbrook questionable for Game 4: Injury update
[2]Scrollthroughs Sports (2021). Michael Porter Jr. returns to lineup for Game 4 despite shoulder sprain
[3]Bleacher Report (2021). Jarred Vanderbilt's big Game 4 leaves the Clippers reeling, but Russell Westbrook remains sidelined
[4]ESPN (2021). Westbrook questionable for Game 5 with left foot inflammation
[5]The Athletic (2021). Russell Westbrook, Michael Porter Jr.'s status for Game 5: Injury updates for Nuggets vs. Clippers
[6]Denver Post (2021). Nuggets' Russell Westbrook dealing with left foot injury; Michael Porter Jr. questionable for Game 5 against Clippers
- The Nuggets list Russell Westbrook as questionable for Game 5 due to a left foot injury, while Michael Porter Jr. is probable with a left shoulder sprain.
- Westbrook's energy and defensive presence have been valuable for Denver's second unit, but his availability for Game 5 is uncertain.
- Porter Jr.'s solid performance in Game 4, despite the shoulder sprain, highlights his determination to contribute to the team's success.
- With a chance to establish a 3-2 series lead, the Nuggets will closely monitor Westbrook's status for backcourt depth and Porter Jr.'s availability to protect their home court and move a step closer to the second round.
