Michael Porter Jr. OUT for Wednesday’s game vs. Pacers

Update: Well, that didn’t take long. Porter Jr. has officially been ruled out for Wednesday’s contest against the Pacers. The Nuggets aren’t taking any chances with their small forward given his history of back problems.

Update: Porter Jr. is officially listed as questionable for Wednesday’s contest against the Pacers, signaling his back issue might not be as severe as many thought originally. There’s a chance he ends up not playing but the fact that he’s even questionable is a great sign for Nuggets fans.

Update: Porter Jr. has been ruled out of Monday’s game against the Heat with a back injury. The Nuggets will rely heavily on Nikola Jokic as usual, but expect Aaron Gordon, Monte Morris and Nah’Shon Hyland to have a bigger role with Porter Jr. out.

Update: Porter Jr. will not return to Saturday’s contest vs. Houston with back and leg injuries.

The Denver Nuggets have had some injury scares this season, and those scares will continue Saturday as Michael Porter Jr. went to the locker room after appearing to move awkwardly on a layup attempt. Porter Jr. is officially questionable to return to the contest against the Houston Rockets. The Nuggets have him down for a back injury, although it initially looked like a leg problem.

The forward appeared to grab his knee, which is a scary sight for Nuggets fans. Porter Jr. has a history with leg and back problems, so this will be something to monitor going forward.

Expect Monte Morris and Aaron Gordon to assume bigger roles in Porter Jr.’s absence. This team still revolves around Nikola Jokic and will continue to do so with Porter Jr. out. Jamal Murray is still months away from returning, so the Nuggets have to hope Porter Jr.’s injury is not serious. Expect the team to treat its prized forward with an abundance of caution in the coming days. The Nuggets have held their own in the West, so they can afford to have Porter Jr. rest up if his injury isn’t a long-term issue.