Deandre Ayton exited Monday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets after suffering a calf injury in the third quarter. The Portland Trail Blazers center appeared to sustain the non-contact injury during an offensive possession, immediately reaching for his leg in discomfort. He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game, with the team set to evaluate the extent of the injury.

Now, many are curious about what happened and how Deandre Ayton got injured. Here is everything to know about the injury and when he will return.

How did Deandre Ayton get injured?

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton suffered a non-contact injury to his left calf during Monday night’s NBA game against the Denver Nuggets. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Ayton suddenly grabbed his leg under the basket after an offensive play. Moments later, he was seen limping off the court as the team called a timeout to assess the situation.

Ayton struggled to put weight on his leg and needed assistance making his way to the locker room. Shortly after, the Trail Blazers announced that he would not return to the game. The injury has been officially deemed a left calf strain. The team has not yet provided further details. However, Ayton is expected to undergo imaging tests to determine the severity of the injury and establish a recovery plan.

Before this setback, Ayton had been an essential part of the Blazers’ game, averaging 14.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in the 2024-25 season. His absence could impact Portland’s rotation, with players like Donovan Clingan and Jabari Walker potentially stepping up.

The extent of Ayton’s injury remains uncertain. However, non-contact leg injuries often raise concerns about more extended recovery periods. The Trail Blazers will likely provide updates in the coming days as medical evaluations continue.