The Denver Nuggets play the Boston Celtics on January 7, 2026, at TD Garden. Both teams are near the top of the standings, with Denver at 24-12 and Boston at 23-12. On paper, this looks like a marquee matchup. In reality, it will be shaped by who is not on the floor.Denver will be without Nikola Jokic, and Boston will not have Jayson Tatum. With both stars out, this game shifts away from star power and toward rotations, matchups, and execution. It becomes a test of depth rather than a showcase of MVPs.
Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Injury report and roster impact (January 7, 2026)
Jokic is sidelined with a left knee bone bruise. Denver Nuggets are also missing Cam Johnson (right knee bone bruise), Jonas Valanciunas (right calf strain), and Tamar Bates (left foot surgery). The Nuggets’ availability is further clouded by several questionable tags: Jamal Murray (left ankle sprain), Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain), Christian Braun (left ankle), and Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness).Boston Celtics’ list is shorter but still significant. Tatum is out with an Achilles issue, and Josh Minott is sidelined with an ankle injury. That leaves Boston leaning heavily on its remaining starters and guard rotation.
Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Broadcast and viewing details (January 7, 2026)
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET. The game will air nationally on ESPN. Local coverage is available on NBC Sports Boston and ALT/KTVD. Streaming options include Fubo and other NBA-approved platforms.
Team stats snapshot
| Stat | Nuggets (Rank) | Celtics (Rank) |
| Points Per Game | 124.4 (1st) | 117.8 (12th) |
| Points Allowed | 118.3 (22nd) | 110.5 (2nd) |
| Field Goal % | 50.8% | 47.4% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 43.3 | 44.1 (17th) |
| Assists Per Game | 29.1 (5th) | 24.0 (29th) |
| Record (Home/Road) | 10-8 / 14-4 | 11-5 home |
Denver scores more than anyone in the league but allows points at a high rate. Boston scores less but defends at an elite level.
Players who matter most
If he plays, Murray carries Denver Nuggets’ offense. He averages 25.4 points and 7.2 assists and shoots 44.7 percent from three. Gordon adds 18.9 points and 5.9 rebounds, while Peyton Watson has averaged 12.2 points with an expanded role.For Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown leads the way at 29.6 points and 6.3 rebounds. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard provide steady scoring and spacing from the backcourt.
Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Matchup history and outlook
The teams have split their last four meetings, though Boston won both games in 2025. Denver games have often gone over the 233.5 total, and the combined scoring averages sit well above that line. Boston is favored at home, but Denver’s 14-7 road record suggests a close game. A narrow Celtics win, around 120-115, fits the matchup without either team’s top star.
