It’s a high-stakes clash at the TD Garden in Boston tonight! As the Denver Nuggets lock horns against the Boston Celtics. The Nuggets arrive in Boston after breezing past the Pistons last night, 134-119. Although Denver has dropped a couple of games lately, they still are a formidable force in the West. Denver’s success is anchored by none other than Nikola Jokic, who is averaging a near triple-double every time he steps on the court.

Complementing him is sharpshooter Jamal Murray and emerging star Michael Porter Jr. However, their opponents tonight are also a force to reckon with. The Celtics boast a stellar 42-18 record this season and are 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. The duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown can lock down opponents and score in bunches. So, if Nikola Jokic and Co. want to grab a wing tonight they’ll need to handle these two. Speaking of which, let’s see if Jokic and Murray are fit to play tonight.

Denver Nuggets injury report as they gear up to face the Boston Celtics

The Nuggets have had their fair share of troubles this season. They’ve even been without the Joker, he’s missed a few games due to illness and injuries. So, will the big man suit up tonight? Yes, as Nikola Jokic is currently not on Denver’s injury report. It’s great news for Denver as they play the second leg of back-to-back games. More so, as the 30-year-old thrives against Boston. Jokic has averaged 22.8, 10.5 rebounds, and dished 6.9 assists per game against the Celtics.

Moving on to Denver’s second-best player this season, point guard Jamal Murray. He’s amidst a solid campaign averaging 21.3 points along with six assists and 3.8 rebounds. Moreover, the 28-year-old is set to play in back-t0-back action tonight alongside Jokic. However, the Nuggets will be without a few players tonight including Power forward Aaron Gordon. He won’t be playing tonight due to an ankle injury that also kept him out from the last game.

Gordon has been a solid player for Denver this season averaging 12.9 points while shooting 51.1 percent from the field. His unavailability will be a huge blow for the Nuggets. Well, that’s not all! Vlatko Čančar is also ruled out for tonight. He is suffering from a knee injury with no known return date as of now. Backup big man DaRon Holmes II as per head coach Michael Malone is back in practice after suffering an Achilles injury. However, he’s still far from game action.

Lastly, Peyton Watson is set to be re-evaluated in around four weeks after he suffered a sprain on his right knee against the Sixers in January. While the Nuggets have been hard-hit by injuries their opponents tonight as relatively healthier. The Celtics are only without their experienced point guard Jrue Holiday. He’s out due to a finger injury. Meanwhile, big man Kristaps Porzingis is on day-to-day due to illness. If both these superstars don’t suit up, it could create an opening for the Nuggets. So, let’s see how they plan to line up for tonight’s clash.

How can the Denver Nuggets lineup after being hard-hit by injuries?

While Jokic and Murray are available for this showdown, head coach Michael Malone still has some thinking to do. That’s because he’s without a key player in Aaron Gordon. We might see Zeke Nnaji step in yet again. He’s been in this team’s rotations and helped them out whenever needed. So far, Nnaji isn’t putting up great numbers, but is quite a handy player.

Enough said, here’s how the Nuggets could lineup:

Overall, historically, the Celtics have the upper hand in this matchup leading 61-40 against the Nuggets. This season as well Boston leads the season series 1-0. However, the Nuggets boast some serious firepower and can win this time around. For this, Jokic and Murray will have to step up and shut down the Celtics offense. However, it’s easier said than done. So, we’ll have to wait and watch who comes out top in this battle in Boston.