Each of these players missing would change the entire game for the Nuggets and allow the Lakers some small advantage. We should know closer to the start of the game if Denver will

Michael Malone explains the delineation between Aaron Gordon missing a game because he can’t play and missing a game because he can’t play well.

So, regarding whether Aaron Gordon is playing tonight vs. the Lakers, the Nuggets should cautiously approach the forward's current injury given his previous absences. However, a win over Los Angeles would go a long way toward securing Denver's position atop the Western Conference playoff bracket.

Gordon’s calf injury hasn’t caused him to miss games recently, but it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon, either.

On the other side, the Lakers will also be shorthanded. Los Angeles has ruled out LeBron James, who continues to recover from a groin injury and they have also ruled out Luka Doncic due to left calf injury management and a right ankle sprain.

The Denver Nuggets will be facing the Minnesota Timberwolves, and they have a few players on the injury report ahead of the matchup. Nikola Jokic is on the injury report with a right elbow contusion and left ankle impingement,