What Happened
The Boston Celtics (38-19) are set to face the Denver Nuggets (36-22) tonight at Ball Arena, concluding their four-game road trip. The Celtics have been on a winning streak, having secured victories in nine of their last ten games, including a recent 97-81 win against the Phoenix Suns. Jaylen Brown is expected to return to the lineup after missing the previous game due to a right knee contusion. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic will be active for the Nuggets after missing the last matchup against the Celtics on January 7, where Denver won 114-110 despite Jokic’s absence.
Why It Matters
This matchup is significant as both teams are vying for playoff positioning in the competitive NBA landscape. The Celtics have demonstrated strong performance on their road trip, winning each game by double digits, showcasing their defensive prowess. Conversely, the Nuggets have struggled with consistency, alternating wins and losses in their last six games, partly due to the absence of Aaron Gordon (hamstring). The return of Jokic is crucial for Denver as they aim to stabilize their performance against a formidable Celtics team.
What’s Next
As the Celtics look to extend their winning streak, the Nuggets will aim to regain their footing at home. The game will be broadcast live at 9 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston, providing fans with updates and highlights throughout the night. This matchup marks the final meeting between the two teams in the regular season, making it a pivotal encounter for both sides.