Nuggets’ Christian Braun to Miss Six Weeks with Ankle Injury

Denver Nuggets forward Christian Braun will be sidelined for at least six weeks due to a left ankle sprain sustained during Wednesday night’s game against the LA Clippers. The injury occurred in the first quarter when Clippers guard James Harden inadvertently stepped on Braun’s right foot, causing him to awkwardly land on his left ankle.

Braun initially returned to the game for the second quarter but appeared to be struggling and did not participate in the second half. Following the game, medical evaluations confirmed the sprain. The Nuggets announced that Braun will be re-evaluated in six weeks, which places his potential return around mid-January 2024.

Impact on the Nuggets’ Season

The Nuggets face a challenging schedule with 17 games slated between now and December 25, 2023. Braun has emerged as a vital asset in the team’s rotation, often tasked with defending the opposing team’s top offensive players. In the first 11 games of the season, he averaged 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3 assists, underscoring his importance to the squad.

His absence will require adjustments from head coach Michael Malone and his staff, as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the Western Conference. Braun’s defensive skills and ability to contribute offensively will be missed, particularly in high-stakes matchups.

The Nuggets will need to rely on their depth and adaptability as they navigate this period without Braun. His progress will be closely monitored, and fans will be eager for updates on his recovery as the team aims to build on their early-season success.