Nuggets’ Christian Braun to Miss Six Weeks with Ankle Injury

The Denver Nuggets announced that guard Christian Braun will be sidelined for at least six weeks due to a sprained ankle. The injury occurred with just 27 seconds left in the first quarter during the Nuggets’ victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on November 5, 2025. Braun suffered the injury while defending against James Harden, taking an awkward step that left him visibly in pain.

Braun, who is 24 years old, briefly returned to the game in the second quarter but requested to be substituted due to ongoing discomfort. In his absence, Tim Hardaway Jr., who has served as the Nuggets’ sixth man, is expected to step into the starting shooting guard position.

With an average of 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and three assists per game this season, Braun’s performance has been less efficient compared to his previous campaign, where he was a candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. In the first 11 games of this season, he has shot 49.5% from the floor and only 21.4% from beyond the arc. The Nuggets often rely on Braun to guard the opposing team’s best guards during man-to-man defense, highlighting his importance to the team.

Despite this setback, Braun has been known for his durability throughout his career. Prior to this injury, he had played in 171 out of 174 regular-season games since his rookie year. Last month, he signed a five-year contract extension valued at $125 million, securing his position with the Nuggets for the long term.

The team has projected that Braun will miss a minimum of 17 games before being reevaluated. His recovery timeline extends through Christmas, when the Nuggets are scheduled to host the Minnesota Timberwolves. The absence of a key contributor like Braun will put additional pressure on the team as they navigate the upcoming weeks.

As the Nuggets continue their season, they will need to adjust to his absence and find ways to maintain their competitive edge in the Western Conference.