The Denver Nuggets travel to TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, January 7, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Denver enters at 24-12, while Boston sits close behind at 23-12, making this matchup a potential Finals preview despite heavy injury implications.
Denver’s injury report is headlined by the absence of Nikola Jokic, who is out with a left knee bone bruise. The three-time MVP has been central to the Nuggets’ success, averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game.
Jamal Murray is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain after averaging 25.4 points and 7.2 assists. Aaron Gordon is also questionable due to a right hamstring strain, while Christian Braun and Tim Hardaway Jr. carry questionable tags as well.
The Nuggets will also be without Cameron Johnson (right knee bone bruise) and Jonas Valanciunas (right calf strain), limiting frontcourt depth. Tamar Bates remains out following left foot surgery, further thinning Denver’s rotation.
Even with injuries, Denver showed resilience by defeating Philadelphia 125-124 in overtime on January 5.
Boston’s injury situation is clearer but equally impactful. Jayson Tatum is out after undergoing right Achilles repair. Josh Minott is also sidelined with a left ankle sprain, while Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, and Amari Williams are unavailable due to G League assignments.
Jaylen Brown has elevated his workload, averaging 29.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have also expanded playmaking duties, combining for over 23 assists per game.
The Celtics enter off back-to-back wins over Chicago and the Los Angeles Clippers, including a 146-115 road victory. Neemias Queta has anchored the interior with 7.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, while Sam Hauser and Jordan Walsh provide spacing.
This will be the first meeting between the teams this season.
