Zeke Nnaji's Back Pain Sidelines Him for Nuggets' Clash vs. Timberwolves

The Denver Nuggets will be shorthanded when they host the defending champion Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Young forward Zeke Nnaji has been ruled out due to lingering lower back pain, marking yet another setback in his injury-riddled campaign.

While the 23-year-old’s absence is unlikely to drastically impact the outcome given his limited role, it underscores the Nuggets’ depth issues early in the season. Nnaji was expected to shoulder more responsibility this year after showing flashes of potential last season, but the nagging back woes have stunted his development so far.

“It’s certainly frustrating for Zeke,” said Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. “He worked incredibly hard this summer to take the next step, but these back issues keep flaring up. We need to get him right and focus on his long-term health.”

Nnaji had been listed as questionable heading into the marquee matchup against Minnesota. However, the Nuggets downgraded his status to out earlier today after the athletic training staff determined the risk of further aggravating the injury was too high.

Though he hasn’t cracked the starting lineup yet, Nnaji’s absence will test Denver’s frontcourt depth against the formidable Timberwolves frontline of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. DeMarcus Cousins and rookie Ousmane Dieng could be called upon for extended minutes.

For Nnaji, it’s another disappointing setback after an offseason full of optimism. The former Arizona Wildcat showed tantalizing two-way potential as a rookie in 2020-21, only to have injuries limit him to just 42 games last season.

This latest back flare-up continues an unfortunate trend for the talented young forward. He’ll aim to return for the Nuggets’ upcoming road trip, with the first chance coming Thursday night against the New York Knicks.

In the meantime, Denver will lean on its veteran core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to carry the offensive load against Minnesota’s stingy defense. Every bit of depth will be critical as the Nuggets jockey for playoff positioning in a rugged Western Conference.

While just a small piece of the puzzle himself, Nnaji’s continued health issues only exacerbate Denver’s lack of veteran depth behind the star trio. As they look to make a deep playoff run, getting key role players like the young forward back to full strength will be pivotal.