Aaron Gordon has been key to an improved Nuggets bench. Even when he returns to the starting lineup, Denver will need more of him when Nikola Jokic is off the court.

Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets' typical starting power forward, has come off the bench in five consecutive appearances since returning from his second calf strain of the season. Denver has won all five games since,

"Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf strain) intends to make his return today against the Dallas Mavericks after missing the previous nine games," Haynes reported. With a starting lineup of Westbrook, Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Gordon and Jokic, the Nuggets will be getting a glimpse of who they could roll out come playoff time.

Aaron Gordon‘s return to the Denver Nuggets lineup has rejuvenated the team and elevated them to a new level. He has been dealing with a calf injury since early November.