A potential NBA Finals preview headlines Wednesday night as the Boston Celtics travel to Ball Arena to face the Denver Nuggets in one of the most anticipated matchups of the week. Both teams are firmly in the playoff picture, but injuries — especially for Boston — could dramatically shape the outcome.
Boston enters at 38–19, second in the Eastern Conference, while Denver sits 36–22, fourth in the Western Conference and extremely difficult to beat at home. The Nuggets are currently listed as 3.5-point favorites, with ESPN Analytics giving Denver a 56.5% chance to win.
With MVP-level talent on both sides and major playoff implications, this matchup carries serious weight.
Resume Check
Boston has remained elite this season behind the scoring brilliance of Jaylen Brown, who is averaging a career-best 29.2 points per game. Brown has carried the offensive load, especially with Jayson Tatum currently sidelined with an Achilles injury.
Boston still ranks among the league’s best offensively, averaging 115.0 points per game, while guards like Derrick White (17.1 PPG, 5.7 APG) and Payton Pritchard (17.4 PPG) have stepped up in expanded roles.
Denver, meanwhile, continues to revolve around the unstoppable force that is Nikola Jokic. The reigning MVP candidate is averaging an absurd 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game, once again flirting with a triple-double average.
Even with injuries affecting key players like Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, Denver remains one of the most efficient and disciplined teams in the league.
Players to Watch
For Boston, all eyes are on Jaylen Brown. With Tatum out and Brown dealing with a knee issue himself, his ability to carry the offense will determine Boston’s ceiling in this game. His scoring aggression and ability to attack Denver’s defense are critical.
Derrick White’s playmaking and perimeter defense will also play a major role, especially in slowing Denver’s supporting cast.
For Denver, it begins and ends with Jokic. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate makes him nearly impossible to stop. Boston must decide whether to double-team him or trust their individual defenders.
If Jamal Murray plays, his scoring punch and two-man chemistry with Jokic could be the deciding factor.
How Boston Wins
The Celtics must rely on their depth and perimeter shooting. Without Tatum, Boston needs efficient scoring from Brown, White, and Pritchard while spacing the floor effectively.
Defensively, they must limit Jokic’s playmaking. Allowing him to control the tempo will make it nearly impossible to win.
Boston also needs to push the pace and avoid letting Denver settle into their half-court offense.
How Denver Wins
Denver wins by doing what they always do — running their offense through Jokic.
His ability to manipulate defenses creates open shots for teammates and easy scoring opportunities inside.
At home, Denver plays with confidence and discipline. If Murray contributes and Denver controls the rebounding battle, they will be extremely difficult to beat.
Denver’s size advantage and home-court edge could prove decisive.
Prediction
Boston’s depth and toughness will keep this game competitive, but Tatum’s absence is simply too significant to overcome against a team like Denver — especially on the road.
Jokic’s dominance and Denver’s home-court advantage will ultimately be the difference.
Expect a close game early, but Denver pulls away late behind their MVP.
Nuggets 118, Celtics 109
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