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Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Denver heads to Boston facing another difficult assignment without Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets still lead the league in scoring efficiency, but their offensive profile changes dramatically without their MVP center. Jokic’s absence shifts usage to guards and wings, putting more pressure on shot-making and ball security.
Boston enters rolling. The Celtics have won four straight and eight of their last nine, fueled by elite defense and lineup flexibility. Their first-half effort against Chicago on Monday showed their defensive ceiling, holding the Bulls to 33 points and controlling tempo even during a poor shooting stretch.
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Line Movement and Odds
Boston opened -11.5 and moved to -13, reflecting Jokic’s continued absence and Boston’s defensive consistency at home. Denver sits at +13, drawing limited interest despite its recent short-handed upset of Philadelphia.
The total opened at 228.5 and has edged down to 226.5, signaling respect for Boston’s defense and Denver’s adjusted offensive pace. Moneyline pricing strongly favors the Celtics, with spread and total driving most of the action.
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Matchup Breakdown
Denver’s challenge is half-court scoring. Without Jokic, the Nuggets rely more on perimeter creation and transition looks. Jalen Pickett’s breakout performance against Philadelphia showed depth and confidence, but repeating that efficiency against Boston’s defense is a different task.
Boston’s edge is discipline and depth. The Celtics defend without fouling, protect the paint, and rotate cleanly to shooters. Even when Jaylen Brown struggles to score, Boston finds offense through ball movement and spacing. Their ability to control pace gives them a high floor in games like this.
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Injuries and Conditions
Denver Nuggets
- Nikola Jokic, knee, out
- Jamal Murray, rest management, probable
- Aaron Gordon, calf, probable
See full Denver Nuggets injury report.
Boston Celtics
- Kristaps Porzingis, calf, questionable
- Jrue Holiday, ankle, probable
See full Boston Celtics injury report.
This game is indoors. No weather impact.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Boston’s defense and home consistency create a steep hill for Denver without Jokic. The Nuggets can compete with effort and shooting variance, but Boston’s structure limits extended runs. The total also reflects Boston’s ability to suppress efficiency.
Projected Score: Celtics 118, Nuggets 104
Best Bet: Celtics -13
Secondary Lean: Under 226.5
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