The Celtics moved into second place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday, as a win over the Bulls — combined with the Knicks’ loss to the Pistons — moved Boston above New York in the standing.
Having won eight of their last nine, the Celtics are 23-12 heading into Wednesday night’s game against the Nuggets, just three games back of the 26-9 mark Boston had at this point last season.
Denver comes to town riddled with injuries, most notably to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is expected to miss the next few weeks after hyperextending his knee.
All five of the Nuggets’ opening night starters are battling injuries. Cameron Johnson (knee) is also on the shelf for a few weeks; Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle) are both questionable for Wednesday having each returned Sunday after missing several weeks; and Jamal Murray (ankle) is questionable after missing the last game for Denver.
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Boston’s only expected absence for Wednesday is Josh Minott, who was ruled out with an ankle sprain.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at TD Garden and on NBC Sports Boston and ESPN. Here’s a preview.
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Where: TD Garden, Boston
TV, radio: ESPN, NBCSB, WBZ-FM 98.5
Line: Boston -9.5. O/U: 231.5.
NUGGETS
Season record: 24-12. vs. spread: 21-15. Over/under: 24-12
Last 10 games: 4-6. vs. spread: 5-5. Over/under: 6-4
CELTICS
Season record: 23-12. vs. spread: 21-14. Over/under: 16-19
Last 10 games: 8-2. vs. spread: 7-3. Over/under: 4-6
TEAM STATISTICS
Points per game: Denver 124.4, Boston 117.8
Points allowed per game: Denver 118.3, Boston 110.5
Field goal percentage: Denver .508, Boston .474
Opponent field goal percentage: Denver .473, Boston .450
3-point percentage: Denver .402, Boston .368
Opponent 3-point percentage: Denver .353, Boston .369
Stat of the day: The Nuggets lead the NBA in points per game (124.3), field goal percentage (50.8) and 3-point field goal percentage (40).
Notes: Boston had one of its best defensive halves of the season during the first 24 minutes of Monday’s 115-101 victory over Chicago. The Celtics held the Bulls to 33 points in the first half, when Chicago shot 31.7 percent from the floor. “For us to not shoot the ball well at all in that first half, but to play well defensively, it’s a sign of a mature team, and so it was impressive,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “The way they were able to compete, I just liked the competitive spirit throughout the entire game.” … Monday was a rough shooting night for Jaylen Brown, who misfired on 18 of his 24 field goal attempts and was limited to 14 points. Brown is averaging a team-high 29.6 points per game. Anfernee Simons helped fill the scoring void by tossing in 27 points, all of which came in the second half. Simons matched a franchise record by making eight 3-pointers in one half. … The Nuggets were without seven players in their rotation, including all five starters, but found a way to defeat Philadelphia 125-124 in overtime Monday. “Just so many guys stepped in and did things for us. One of the most special wins I’ve been a part of,” Denver coach David Adelman said. “This is a bunch of guys finding a way to get it done with grit and effort and timely shot-making. And I think that’s something that, when they’re older, 20 years from now, they’re probably gonna have a beer and talk about this game.”
Amin Touri can be reached at [email protected].
