### Aaron Gordon to Start for Nuggets in Critical Game 7 Despite Hamstring Strain

Aaron Gordon will not be sitting out the crucial Game 7 for the Denver Nuggets against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After testing his hamstring injury during warmups, he was cleared to play in Sunday's decisive matchup. ESPN's Shams Charania confirmed that Gordon will be in Denver's starting lineup.

Gordon is struggling with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, requiring "several weeks" for a full recovery, according to Charania. Despite this, Gordon was determined to play, as reported by The Athletic's Sam Amick, who noted that Gordon had tested his hamstring pregame with hopes of participating in the game.

However, even if the Nuggets advance beyond this round, Gordon's injury casts doubt on his availability for the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Charania suggested that Gordon's playoffs could be over entirely.

Gordon has been a key secondary scorer for Denver behind Nikola Jokić this postseason. In 13 games, he's averaged 16.8 points and has been shooting 38.2 percent from three-point range. He played a pivotal role in the first round, cleaning up a miss by Jokić to win Game 4 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The pressure now falls more heavily on Michael Porter Jr., who is also dealing with a left shoulder sprain but remains in the game. Porter has struggled in recent matchups, scoring just 15 points on 6-of-23 shooting across the last three contests. Porter admitted he hasn't been contributing as needed, saying, “I haven't been contributing in any way right now.”

In Game 6, Porter managed 10 points, four rebounds, one steal, and one block in 29 minutes, but his performance will need to improve. With Gordon battling his hamstring strain, it is crucial for Porter to step up if the Nuggets aim to secure their place in the next round.