The Denver Nuggets just dropped a bombshell that has fans breathing a huge sigh of relief: breakout star Peyton Watson is ramping up and could be back on the court as soon as this week.
The 23-year-old wing has missed the last six weeks with a stubborn hamstring strain, but the latest update from the Nuggets organization signals a major turnaround. According to Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette, Denver believes Watson will return sometime this week — the first concrete timeline since the injury pushed past its original four-week projection.
In 49 games this season, Watson has been the surprise star of the Nuggets’ campaign, averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2 assists on 49.6% shooting. He was playing the best basketball of his young career alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, even earning NBA Western Conference Player of the Week honors in January — one of the most unexpected weekly awards in recent memory.
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After Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun returned to full health, Watson remained the lone key contributor still sidelined. Last week, reports already hinted he was nearing a comeback, and today’s developments confirm it. Benedetto posted on X:
“Sounds like the hope remains the Nuggets get Peyton Watson back sometime this week. Wouldn’t expect it tomorrow or Wednesday.”
He followed up with even better news: Watson participated in 3-on-3 action after Monday’s practice — the clearest sign yet that he is progressing through his ramp-up protocol.
That timeline points to Friday night’s home game against the Toronto Raptors as the most likely return date. Tuesday’s matchup in Philadelphia and Wednesday’s game versus Memphis appear too soon, but Denver’s Friday contest now carries major excitement.
Watson is still listed as the only player on the Nuggets’ injury report, but the atmosphere around the team has shifted dramatically with this update. Before the hamstring issue, the former UCLA product was a defensive menace and efficient scorer, highlighted by viral moments like his thunderous poster dunk over Chet Holmgren.
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While the immediate focus is on his imminent return, Watson’s breakout season has also sparked serious free-agency buzz. As a restricted free agent this summer, the L.A.-area native is drawing strong interest — particularly from the Los Angeles Lakers, who view him as a realistic target via sign-and-trade due to Denver’s luxury-tax constraints. Rival executives are already circling, with multiple cap-space teams preparing offers that could reach $20 million per year.
For now, though, Nuggets Nation can celebrate the bombshell news: Peyton Watson is coming back — and he could be suiting up as soon as this Friday.