NBA fans are spoiled for choice today as we have a mouthwatering 12-game slate to sink our teeth into. One of the standout matchups sees the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics lock horns. These teams were the last NBA champions before the Oklahoma City Thunder, and with the Nuggets currently without Nikola Jokic, it will be interesting to see how the visitors perform.

Boston is a 9.5-point favourite to win on the NBA odds, with the total set at 232.5.

Nuggets vs. Celtics NBA Betting Odds

The Nuggets have proven to be a serious contender out West once again, and they were certainly looking to be the second-best behind the Thunder. However, with Jokic out of the lineup for the next month, Denver’s mettle is certainly going to be tested, highlighted by the fact they are 9.5-point underdogs for this contest.

The Celtics know all about missing their best player, as they are without Jayson Tatum for the entire season. However, the C’s have stepped up in his absence and outperformed expectations, currently holding a 23-12 record and a 21-14 ATS record – the second-best mark in the NBA. Denver isn’t far behind, however, holding a 21-15 record against the number.

Denver Nuggets

When the Nuggets have played with a fully healthy roster, they have certainly looked like a title contender. The problem is they haven’t been all that healthy for the majority of the season to this point, as nearly every Denver starter has missed extended time through the first three months of the campaign. The biggest news as it relates to this game is that all five Nuggets starters could miss this game, and a couple of key reserves are also either confirmed out or listed as questionable for this one. 

Denver is 2-2 since Jokic went down, and David Adelman’s group has maintained its competitive edge, even as more players continue to get injured. However, the floor is fairly low for a team that is missing so much talent, which is certainly worrying heading into a game against a Celtics team that thrives on creating variance with their three-point shooting.

Boston Celtics

Boston comes into this game with a good bit of momentum following four straight victories over Western Conference foes. While this game would ordinarily present a much more difficult challenge for Jaylen Brown and this Celtics team, there shouldn’t be much resistance from a beleaguered Nuggets defence against a Boston offence that loves to fire away from beyond the arc with its plethora of outside shooters. Ultimately, Joe Mazzulla is a head coach that demands excellence from his team each and every night, which gives the Celtics a fairly high floor on a game-to-game basis. With that in mind, Boston should show up and put up plenty of points on Wednesday.

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Nuggets vs. Celtics?

Even though the Nuggets are coming off an inspired victory against the Sixers, it’s hard to see this team compete with one of the best offences in basketball if the majority of the Denver starters are unable to suit up. Provided that the Celtics play with focus and intention, Boston should win by a convincing margin. The Celtics should take this one 120-105.

NUGGETS

Away

105

CELTICS

Home

120

Score
Predictions

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