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Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic and Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum (Image via Getty)
The Denver Nuggets play the Boston Celtics connected January 7, 2026, astatine TD Garden. Both teams are adjacent the apical of the standings, with Denver astatine 24-12 and Boston astatine 23-12. On paper, this looks similar a marquee matchup.
In reality, it volition beryllium shaped by who is not connected the floor.Denver volition beryllium without Nikola Jokic, and Boston volition not person Jayson Tatum. With some stars out, this crippled shifts distant from prima powerfulness and toward rotations, matchups, and execution. It becomes a trial of extent alternatively than a showcase of MVPs.
Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Injury study and roster interaction (January 7, 2026)
Jokic is sidelined with a near genu bony bruise. Denver Nuggets are besides missing Cam Johnson (right genu bony bruise), Jonas Valanciunas (right calf strain), and Tamar Bates (left ft surgery).
The Nuggets’ availability is further clouded by respective questionable tags: Jamal Murray (left ankle sprain), Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain), Christian Braun (left ankle), and Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness).Boston Celtics’ database is shorter but inactive significant. Tatum is retired with an Achilles issue, and Josh Minott is sidelined with an ankle injury. That leaves Boston leaning heavy connected its remaining starters and defender rotation.
Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Broadcast and viewing details (January 7, 2026)
Tip-off is acceptable for 7 p.m. ET. The crippled volition aerial nationally connected ESPN. Local sum is disposable connected NBC Sports Boston and ALT/KTVD. Streaming options see Fubo and different NBA-approved platforms.
Team stats snapshot
| Stat | Nuggets (Rank) | Celtics (Rank) |
| Points Per Game | 124.4 (1st) | 117.8 (12th) |
| Points Allowed | 118.3 (22nd) | 110.5 (2nd) |
| Field Goal % | 50.8% | 47.4% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 43.3 | 44.1 (17th) |
| Assists Per Game | 29.1 (5th) | 24.0 (29th) |
| Record (Home/Road) | 10-8 / 14-4 | 11-5 home |
Denver scores much than anyone successful the league but allows points astatine a precocious rate. Boston scores little but defends astatine an elite level.
Players who substance most
If helium plays, Murray carries Denver Nuggets’ offense. He averages 25.4 points and 7.2 assists and shoots 44.7 percent from three.
Gordon adds 18.9 points and 5.9 rebounds, portion Peyton Watson has averaged 12.2 points with an expanded role.For Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown leads the mode astatine 29.6 points and 6.3 rebounds. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard supply dependable scoring and spacing from the backcourt.
Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Matchup past and outlook
The teams person divided their past 4 meetings, though Boston won some games successful 2025. Denver games person often gone implicit the 233.5 total, and the combined scoring averages beryllium good supra that line. Boston is favored astatine home, but Denver’s 14-7 roadworthy grounds suggests a adjacent game. A constrictive Celtics win, astir 120-115, fits the matchup without either team’s apical star.
