The Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics were penciled in as one of the week’s must-watch games. The matchup still matters, but the headliners won’t be on the floor. With Nikola Jokic and Jayson Tatum both sidelined, Wednesday night at TD Garden turns into a clear test of depth, trust, and smart execution. Tip is set for 7 PM ET, and both teams arrive in good form despite the injuries: Denver is 24-12 (4th in the West), while Boston is 23-12 (2nd in the East).

Nuggets vs Celtics Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out

Both teams will have to lean on their rotations. Here’s how the official injury picture looks heading into the game:

• Denver Nuggets (24-12)
  Out: Nikola Jokic (left knee bone bruise), Cam Johnson (right knee bone bruise), Jonas Valanciunas (right calf strain), Tamar Bates (left foot surgery).
  Questionable: Jamal Murray (left ankle sprain), Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain), Christian Braun (left ankle), Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness), Jalen Pickett (left shin/lower leg).
• Boston Celtics (23-12)
  Out: Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair surgery; no timeline, earliest April), Josh Minott (left ankle sprain).
  G League assignments: Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, Amari Williams.

Jokic’s absence is the headline for Denver. The reigning engine of the Nuggets has posted massive numbers this season — listed in one report at 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists, and in another at 23.1/9.1/9.0 — but either way, he’s the hub. Boston is without Tatum, who underwent right Achilles repair surgery; he has no firm return timeline.

“No Jokic, no Tatum — now we find out whose bench is real.”

Denver’s Blueprint Without Nikola Jokic

Denver survived in Philadelphia on January 5 with a gritty 125-124 overtime win. That result matters, because it showed the Nuggets can win tight games without a full tool kit. They were already missing starters and center Jonas Valanciunas in that one, yet still found late answers.

Coach Michael Malone’s chessboard changes without Jokic. The offense becomes more guard-driven, and the ball may not stick in the post as much. The big variable is Jamal Murray (questionable, left ankle sprain). He’s been hot when available this season, with reports listing him around 25–26 points per game and 7 assists while shooting near 45% from three. If he suits up, Denver’s half-court scoring gets a major bump.

Aaron Gordon (questionable, hamstring) is another swing piece. When healthy, he adds downhill force and defensive size on the wing. Christian Braun (questionable, ankle) brings energy and rebounding on the perimeter. Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness) adds quick threes if he’s cleared. And keep an eye on Peyton Watson, who has hovered in the 12–14 points per game range across different reports; he’s an athletic finisher who can change momentum with runs in the open court.

In other words, Denver’s plan is likely pace, drive-and-kick, and a committee approach on the glass. Without Jokic, clean defensive boards and not giving up second chances are mission-critical.

“If Murray goes, Denver’s late-game shotmaking looks totally different.”

Boston’s Offense Without Jayson Tatum

Boston has already found a rhythm in Tatum’s absence. The Celtics have won four straight, including a 115-101 win over the Bulls where the bench led the way. Simons delivered 27 points off the bench and Payton Pritchard chipped in 21, while Jaylen Brown finished with 14 and did work on the glass.

Brown is Boston’s main scorer now, and he’s been in the 28–30 points per game range across reports, with around six rebounds and some playmaking sprinkled in. Derrick White (19.4 ppg) is the glue, balancing offense with defense. Pritchard’s 17.0 ppg is a valuable spark, especially if this game turns into a shootout. The Celtics’ goal without Tatum is balance: multiple shooters touching the ball, non-stop cutting, and quick decisions.

On defense, Boston’s switchable wings can crowd passing lanes and pressure ball-handlers. With Jokic out, the Celtics won’t have to double the post as often, which should help them stay home on shooters and limit drive-and-kick threes.

“Boston’s depth is real — but can the bench keep this pace against a top West team?”

Rotations, Matchups and the Margins

With both stars out, this game shifts away from star power and toward rotations, matchups, and execution. A few key pressure points:

• Bench vs Bench: Boston’s second unit powered the win over Chicago. Denver’s bench just survived an OT road game. Which group wins the non-starter minutes likely decides the night.
• Point of Attack: If Murray plays, Boston must keep him out of the lane and fight over screens. If he sits, Denver’s shot creation by committee has to stay steady through the fourth quarter.
• Rebounding Battle: No Jokic and no Valanciunas means Denver must box out by committee. Boston’s wings can crash hard, and extra possessions could swing a close game.
• Three-Point Variance: White and Pritchard can get hot fast. Hardaway Jr. (if active) offers quick-fire answers for Denver. One streaky stretch from deep could be the knockout run.
• Turnovers: Clean games travel. The team that limits live-ball turnovers will control pace and prevent easy buckets the other way.

Form Guide, Tip-Off Details and What’s at Stake

Denver enters 24-12, fourth in the West, and brings the confidence of an overtime win in Philadelphia. Boston stands at 23-12, second in the East, riding a four-game win streak built on balance and defensive poise. The game tips at 7 PM ET at TD Garden.

There’s also a quiet psychological edge on the line. Denver’s identity is often tied to Jokic’s brilliance. Boston’s, to Tatum’s scoring gravity. Win without your anchor, and your locker room grows a size. Drop one, and the questions about depth get louder.

Jokic’s season line — whether you go by the 29.6/12.2/11.0 triple-double pace in one report or the 23.1/9.1/9.0 in another — tells you what Denver is missing: creation, control, and calm. Tatum’s absence removes Boston’s safest late-game shot. That’s why this one points to the margins: who rotates on the extra pass, who boxes out on the last free throw, who dares to take the open three with two minutes left.

Expect a tough, grinding game that rewards the team that stays patient, values the ball, and makes the simple play over the hero play. In short: a coach’s game more than a star’s game — and that can be just as fun.

Prediction vibe: If Murray suits up, edge to Denver in clutch shotmaking. If he doesn’t, Boston’s steadier rotation and home crowd may carry the night. Either way, the bench battle will likely tell the story.

Tip: 7 PM ET, TD Garden. Records: Nuggets 24-12 (4th West), Celtics 23-12 (2nd East). Recent: Denver 125-124 OT at PHI (Jan. 5); Boston 115-101 vs CHI, four straight wins.