The Boston Celtics (23-12) are riding a four-game winning streak as they prepare to host the Denver Nuggets (24-12) on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden.
Boston remains relatively healthy heading into the matchup, with the primary absence being superstar forward Jayson Tatum, who continues his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in last season’s playoffs. Tatum has yet to play this season and is not expected back imminently.
The Celtics will also be without forward Josh Minott, sidelined with a left ankle sprain. Minott has seen limited action recently, recording a DNP (Did Not Play) in five of his last six games. On the season, however, he is posting career highs with 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game on 50.4% shooting.
The current starting lineup features the core group of Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Neemias Queta, with Sam Hauser earning starts in the last two games after taking over for Jordan Walsh. Walsh had previously started 20 consecutive contests.
On the Nuggets’ side, injuries are piling up significantly. Denver will be without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic (knee), Cam Johnson (knee), and Jonas Valanciunas (calf). Additionally, Jamal Murray (ankle), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Christian Braun (ankle), and Tim Hardaway (illness) are all listed as questionable.
Despite holding the fourth-best record in the Western Conference, the Nuggets are just 2-2 in games without Jokic this season, with victories over Toronto and Philadelphia offset by losses to Cleveland and Brooklyn.
In their most recent win—a Monday night triumph over the 76ers—bench players stepped up in a big way: Jalen Pickett poured in 29 points, Peyton Watson added 24, and Bruce Brown contributed 19.
Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman commended the effort: “This is a bunch of guys finding a way to get it done with grit and effort and timely shot making. And I think that’s something that, when they’re older, 20 years from now, they’re probably gonna have a beer and talk about this game.”
With availability still uncertain for several key players, Denver will likely rely heavily on its depth and bench production once again to compete against a streaking Celtics squad. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday.