Nuggets forward AaronGordon Coach Michael Malone said he will not play in the team’s upcoming three-game away game due to a right calf strain.

Gordon, 29, has missed the last three games and has been unable to participate in practice since requesting a substitution four minutes into Denver’s Nov. 4 win over the Raptors. Before that game, he was dealing with calf inflammation in his right leg. .

“Those calf contractions can be really tough, really finicky, so you have to be careful how hard you push it,” Malone said as Gordon took a shot at the Nuggets’ practice gym on Wednesday. “Because you want him to get better. I think Aaron’s in a good place. He’s going in the right direction. … I’m happy he’s improving. He’s in a good place mentally. And we were able to hold down the fort when he was out. And guys are stepping up.

Peyton Watson has been in the starting 11 in Gordon’s absence and has averaged 14 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in the last three games. Nuggets (7-3) fresh off a new season five-game unbeaten home run As they prepare to fly to New Orleans on Thursday ahead of their first NBA Cup game against the Pelicans on Friday night.