Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. will be available for Game 5 of the team’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers. A league spokesperson confirmed to Law Murray of The Athletic on Tuesday that Porter will not face suspension.
This decision follows a tense Game 4 that saw six technical fouls issued after a heated on-court altercation. While Porter did not actively participate in the altercation, he did leave the Nuggets’ bench area and step onto the court, which could have resulted in a suspension under NBA rules. However, the league has opted not to impose further penalties beyond the standard review.
No Further Penalty After Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets Incident
Porter has been managing a left shoulder sprain since Game 2 and is listed as probable for Game 5. Despite the injury, he played a crucial role in the Nuggets’ 112-97 Game 4 victory, contributing 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists while shooting efficiently (6-for-11 from the field and 4-for-7 from three-point range) in 42 minutes of play.
Throughout the first four playoff games against the Clippers, Porter has averaged 10.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and one assist per contest. He has provided valuable floor spacing and secondary scoring, shooting 42.9% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range. His size and shooting ability have been particularly important for Denver against a Clippers team known for its perimeter defensive versatility.
With the series tied 2-2, the Nuggets will look to gain control in a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday night at Ball Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PST on TNT. Porter’s availability adds stability to the Nuggets’ rotation as they aim to capitalize on their home-court advantage before the series returns to Los Angeles for Game 6 at the Intuit Dome on Thursday. The outcome of Game 5 could significantly impact the series momentum in this tightly contested Western Conference playoff matchup.