As the Denver Nuggets prepare for a pivotal Game 6 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night, all eyes are on Aaron Gordon's status. After a dominant Game 5 win at home, Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets have a chance to force a Game 7 back in Denver this Saturday—but they may have to do it without their versatile forward.

Gordon has been battling left calf tightness since the early stages of this first-round playoff series. He missed Game 5 entirely, and his availability for Thursday remains up in the air. The 28-year-old tried to play through the injury in Game 4 last Saturday, but it was clear he wasn't himself. He labored on both ends of the floor and managed just 23 minutes before being pulled.

The good news? Gordon has had a few extra days of rest, and he was spotted without any sleeve or wrap on his injured calf during Wednesday's practice—a promising sign compared to Game 4, when he wore protective gear. Still, the Nuggets' final injury report lists him as "questionable," alongside young guard Peyton Watson (right hamstring strain), who has been ruled out.

For a soft-tissue issue like this, it's often a game-time decision based on how Gordon feels during pregame warmups. The Nuggets could also choose to err on the side of caution, giving him more time to recover in hopes of having him at full strength for a potential second-round matchup against the San Antonio Spurs next week.

Whether Gordon suits up or not, Thursday's game is a must-watch. A win keeps Denver's title hopes alive; a loss sends them home early. Stay tuned for updates right up until tip-off.