NBA: Aaron Gordon could make return for Nuggets at Jazz

Keyonte George’s return to the starting lineup has given the Utah Jazz a boost as they prepare for Monday’s game against the Denver Nuggets in Salt Lake City.

George played in Saturday’s 115-105 loss to New Orleans after missing nine games due to two separate ankle injuries. He logged 23 minutes and scored 17 points on 4-of-11 shooting. While his scoring wasn’t at full strength, his return provides a much-needed lift for a Jazz team dealing with multiple injuries to offensive stars.

“I feel like my pop was there. I didn't want to force anything,” George told The Salt Lake Tribune after the game. “I just wanted to play the game. I feel like I did a decent job tonight.”

George remains on a minutes restriction and will continue with a cautious approach against Denver.

Keeping George healthy is critical for Utah, which has already lost several key players this season. Since the NBA trade deadline, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic have undergone season-ending surgeries, Vince Williams Jr. suffered a torn ACL, and Lauri Markkanen is expected to miss at least two weeks with a hip injury.

“Making shots, missing shots, it's not anything that's in question for me,” Jazz coach Will Hardy told The Salt Lake Tribune. “I just want to see him exert himself physically and competitively.”

Denver could get a boost from injured star Aaron Gordon, who is expected to return after missing 15 games with a hamstring strain. Gordon did not play in Sunday’s 117-108 loss to Minnesota and has appeared in only 23 games this season due to injuries.

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic narrowly avoided injury on Friday after being tripped by Oklahoma City guard Lu Dort. Dort was ejected for a flagrant two foul following a brief altercation. Jokic reported no lingering issues and scored 35 points with 13 rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks in Sunday’s game against Minnesota. He has scored at least 30 points in four of his last five games and grabbed 12 or more rebounds in four straight contests.

Denver and Utah met earlier this season, with the Nuggets winning 135-112 after scoring the first 19 points of the game.

-Field Level Media/Reuters