Reuters
Nikola Jokic at the NBA 2020-2021 season| Image courtsey: Reuters
Reuters
Nikola Jokic at the NBA 2020-2021 season| Image courtsey: Reuters
The Denver Nuggets begin their Eastern Conference road trip in Massachusetts tonight. They arrive at the TD Garden to face off against the Boston Celtics at 7 pm EST, in their first encounter of the season.
The Celtics have recorded two surprising losses in their last two games. They first lost to the Pistons at home, then lost to the Wizards on the road. Both teams are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and so the Celtics will be aiming to improve tonight. Their current record is an unimpressive 13-13, but they are still fourth in the Eastern Conference.
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The Nuggets had a statement win against the Lakers in their last game. They are on a three-game winning streak and will look forward to building on that tonight. This is the first of their four road games and all of them are winnable considering their form.
Boston Celtics expected lineup
Marcus Smart (Calf) and Romeo Langford (Wrist) continue their time on the sidelines. The Celtics will hope that Daniel Theis (finger) can return in time for the game, after being listed as questionable. They need him to stand a chance against Nikola Jokic.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 5, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) celebrates with forward Semi Ojeleye (37) and guard Jeff Teague (55) in the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Staples Center.The Celtics defeated the Clippers 119-115. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Their lineup could feature Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown as their guards, Jayson Tatum and Tristan Thompson as their forwards, and Daniel Theis as the center.
Denver Nuggets expected lineup
The Nuggets have a host of injury issues. PJ Dozier (Hamstring), Gary Harris (Thigh), Will Barton (Personal), and Paul Millsap (Knee) are all out for tonight’s game, while Monte Morris (Shoulder) is questionable.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 12, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives up court after intercepting a pass against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Monte Morris and Jamal Murray are likely to start as the guards for the Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr. and JaMychal Green will start as their forwards, while Nikola Jokic starts as the center.
Predictions
The form favors the Nuggets, but their injury issues tilt the odds towards the Celtics. The Nuggets might still be the favorites, but the Celtics will be expected to compete till the final buzzer. This close contest could be decided in the fourth, and it is likely that the Nuggets prevail over the struggling Celtics.
Unless the Celtics have a major improvement across the team, a win eludes them tonight.
