Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. received a surprising designation ahead of Wednesday's game vs Indiana Pacers in Denver. Nuggets head coach Mike Malone said to Harrison Wind that Porter Jr. is probably questionable for the game.

That sounds more optimistic than anyone would have thought. Previously, it was reported that Porter Jr. is dealing with a severe back injury and that he will be out for the foreseeable future.

However, if you read between the lines, the news does not sound all that promising. Porter Jr. left Saturday's game vs the Houston Rockets and did not return. Malone said that there are not really any changes. They will discuss the diagnosis with team doctors before making any decisions.

Later Tuesday, Harrison Wind updated Porter Jr's status. to officially out tomorrow.

Article Continues Below
More Denver Nuggets News
Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea (left) and forward Luka Doncic (right) during the game between the Mavericks and the Warriors at the American Airlines Center.
Nuggets rumors: Denver targeting former Luka Doncic teammate for coaching positionRichard Pereira ·
Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman looks at the score against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Nuggets letting G League Rookie of the Year goRichard Pereira ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) talks to an official during a break in play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Shams puts all Nuggets Nikola Jokic trade speculation to bedJackson Stone ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) watches Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoot free throws in the second half of game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Nuggets’ nightmare scenario that would lead to unthinkable Nikola Jokic tradeZachary Howell ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts towards referee Sean Wright (4) after a play in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game four of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
Nuggets front office ‘not sure’ if Nikola Jokic will sign contract extensionPreston Byers ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) warms up before game seven of the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Josh Kroenke bizarrely brings up Nuggets-Nikola Jokic trade scenarioBenedetto Vitale ·

Last season, Porter Jr. averaged 19 points and over seven rebounds per game, on 54% shooting from the field. That is efficiency, especially for a wing player.

Porter Jr. was supposed to make the leap into superstar status this season. The Nuggets certainly believed in him. They offered him the max rookie contract extension during the off-season.

This is a particularly concerning injury as Porter Jr. has dealt with back issues in his past. Porter Jr. had multiple back surgeries at Missouri before being drafted 14th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.

The Nuggets are already dealing with depth issues. Jamal Murray is still out recovering from a torn ACL.

Without two of the best players on the team, reigning league MVP, Nikola Jokic, will have to carry even more of the load. Veterans Will Barton and Jeff Green will probably also garner extra minutes until they get Porter Jr. back in the rotation.