The Denver Nuggets face the Boston Celtics in a marquee interconference matchup that could be heavily impacted by injuries to key stars on both sides. With Denver missing their MVP-caliber center and Boston without their leading scorer, this game at TD Garden might turn into a gritty, low-scoring affair emphasizing depth and defense. Below is a thorough breakdown of the essential elements.
Venue Location
The game will be held at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. This 19,156-seat arena, home to the Celtics since 1995, is renowned for its passionate fans and has been a tough venue for visitors, with Boston posting a 13-5 home record this season.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN, with streaming options available via ESPN+ and NBA League Pass.
Recent Team Forms
Both squads have shown resilience but enter with mixed results, influenced by recent close contests and roster challenges.
Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are 4-6 in their last 10 games, coming off a narrow 125-124 overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 5. They’ve averaged 118.1 points per game (9th in NBA) but have struggled defensively (119.4 points allowed, 22nd), with a net rating of -1.3 in that span. Key highlights include strong overtime performances but losses in five of their last seven, often due to rebounding deficits (42.8 RPG, 24th league-wide).
Boston Celtics: The Celtics are 8-2 in their last 10, riding a four-game win streak capped by a 115-101 victory over the Chicago Bulls on January 5. They boast elite offense (120.4 PPG, 5th) and defense (112.6 allowed, 6th), with a +7.8 net rating. Their home dominance (three straight wins by double digits) and three-point shooting (15.1 3PM, 3rd) stand out, though they’ve had occasional lapses in transition defense.
| Team | Last 10 Games | Last Game Result | Key Stat from Recent Form |
| Denver Nuggets | 4-6 | W 125-124 OT vs. PHI | 2-3 SU in last 5 road games; OVER in 7 of last 10 |
| Boston Celtics | 8-2 | W 115-101 vs. CHI | 13-5 SU at home; UNDER in 6 of last 9 |
Injury Report
Injuries dominate the narrative, with both teams shorthanded in the frontcourt and backcourt, potentially leading to increased roles for bench players.
Denver Nuggets:
Tamar Bates (G): Out (left foot surgery) – Minimal impact as a reserve.
Christian Braun (G): Questionable (left ankle sprain) – Key defender; his absence could hurt perimeter D.
Aaron Gordon (F): Questionable (right hamstring strain) – Versatile forward; limits rebounding if out.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (G): Questionable (illness management) – Shooting threat off the bench.
Cameron Johnson (F): Out (right knee bone bruise) – Spacing and scoring loss.
Nikola Jokic (C): Out (left knee bone bruise) – Massive blow; league’s top player (26.8 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 9.1 APG).
Jamal Murray (G): Questionable (left ankle sprain) – Primary scorer; offense stalls without him.
Jonas Valanciunas (C): Out (right calf strain) – Depletes interior depth.
Boston Celtics:
Ron Harper Jr. (G): Out (G League two-way) – No rotation impact.
Josh Minott (F): Out (left ankle sprain) – Bench energy player.
Max Shulga (G): Out (G League two-way) – Developmental prospect.
Jayson Tatum (F): Out (right Achilles repair) – Devastating; team leader (28.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG).
Amari Williams (F): Out (G League two-way) – Limited role.
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Monitor pre-game updates, as questionable tags (e.g., Murray, Gordon) could swing the matchup.
Player Matchups
Without Jokic and Tatum, the focus shifts to secondary stars and role players, potentially favoring Boston’s depth.
Jamal Murray (DEN, if available) vs. Derrick White (BOS): Murray (22.1 PPG, 6.4 APG) could exploit Boston’s backcourt, but White (18.4 PPG, 5.3 APG, 1.5 BPG) is a defensive stalwart who might force turnovers (Denver 14.2 TO/g, 19th).
Aaron Gordon (DEN, if available) vs. Jaylen Brown (BOS): Gordon (14.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG) brings athleticism, facing Brown (29.6 PPG, 50.1 FG%), who’s been scorching hot (36.3% from three). This wing battle could decide rebounding (Boston +2.1 RPG edge).
Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) vs. Kristaps Porzingis (BOS): Porter (17.6 PPG, 41.2% 3PT) stretches the floor, testing Porzingis (if matched up; 20.1 PPG, 2.1 BPG) in pick-and-pop scenarios.
Russell Westbrook (DEN) vs. Jrue Holiday (BOS): Westbrook’s energy (11.4 PPG bench) vs. Holiday’s veteran savvy (12.8 PPG, 1.4 SPG) could spark transition plays.
Bench units will be crucial, with Denver’s youth (e.g., Julian Strawther) vs. Boston’s veterans (e.g., Al Horford).
Series History
The Celtics hold a commanding all-time regular-season edge, leading 62-40 over the Nuggets. In the last 10 meetings, Boston is 6-4 SU, with games averaging 226.8 total points. Denver won their most recent clash 110-103 on March 2, 2025, but Boston has won 4 of the last 5 at home. Historically, Boston shoots better (47.2% FG vs. 45.8%) and rebounds stronger in these matchups.
Betting Trends
Denver: 20-14-0 ATS overall (9-8 ATS road); OVER in 7 of last 10; 13-11 ATS as underdogs; 4-6 ATS vs. Eastern Conference.
Boston: 20-14-0 ATS overall (11-7 ATS home); UNDER in 19 of 35 games; 16-8 ATS as favorites; 7-3 ATS in last 10 home games.
| Category | Denver | Boston |
| ATS Overall | 20-14-0 | 20-14-0 |
| ATS Last 10 | 5-5 | 7-3 |
| O/U Overall | 19-17 | 16-19 |
| O/U Last 10 | 7-3 | 4-6 |
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets 232.5
Boston Celtics – 9.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 6, 2026
