BOSTON — The Celtics (23-12) will look to make it 5 straight wins once they face the Denver Nuggets (24-12) on Wednesday night time at 7pm at TD Backyard.
Boston enters the matchup comparatively wholesome; they’ll solely be with out Jayson Tatum, who continues to recuperate from a ruptured Achilles tendon, and Josh Minott, who’s out with a left ankle sprain. Minott has fallen out of the Celtics rotation in latest weeks, having obtained a DNP in 5 of his final 6 video games. However, for the season, the Celtics ahead is averaging a career-best 6.3 factors and 4 rebounds on 50.4% taking pictures.
Alongside the group’s 4 perennial starters — Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Neemias Queta — Sam Hauser has began the previous two video games, changing Jordan Walsh within the beginning lineup. Previous to that, Walsh had began 20 straight video games for the Celtics.
The Nuggets arrive at TD Backyard hampered by harm
The Nuggets, in the meantime, can be with out Nikola Jokic (knee), Cam Johnson (knee), and Jonas Valanciunas (calf). Jamal Murray (ankle), Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Christian Braun (ankle), and Tim Hardaway (sickness) are all questionable.
The Nuggets, who’ve the fourth-best document within the Western Convention, are 2-2 with out Jokic. They picked up wins towards the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers, whereas dropping video games to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.
Within the Nuggets’ Monday night time victory over the 76ers, a trio of bench gamers led the way in which: Jalen Pickett exploded for 29 factors, Peyton Watson tallied 24 factors, and Bruce Brown scored 19.
Nuggets head coach David Adelman praised their efficiency: “This can be a bunch of fellows discovering a approach to get it achieved with grit and energy and well timed shot making. And I believe that’s one thing that, once they’re older, 20 years from now, they’re in all probability gonna have a beer and speak about this recreation.”
Who is obtainable to go well with up for the Nuggets stays to be seen, however Denver will as soon as once more want big-time performances from their bench gamers to carry their very own towards Boston. Celtics-Nuggets will tip off on Wednesday at 7pm.
