In a significant blow to what was anticipated as a marquee NBA matchup, the Denver Nuggets have officially ruled out their superstar center, Nikola Jokic, for the game against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The reigning MVP is sidelined with a left knee bone bruise, marking another game in a growing list of absences for the Serbian big man.
Nuggets' Mounting Injury Crisis Ahead of Celtics Clash
The absence of Jokic is just the tip of the iceberg for a Denver squad grappling with a severe injury crisis. The team's official injury report paints a grim picture ahead of their road trip finale at TD Garden. Cam Johnson is out with a right knee bone bruise, while veteran center Jonas Valanciunas is sidelined with a right calf strain. Young guard Tamar Bates remains out long-term following left foot surgery.
To make matters worse, the Nuggets' availability is further clouded by a host of questionable players. Star guard Jamal Murray is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain. Key forward Aaron Gordon is managing a right hamstring strain, Christian Braun has a left ankle issue, and Tim Hardaway Jr. is questionable due to illness. This leaves the Nuggets, who hold a strong 24-12 record and are fourth in the Western Conference, dangerously thin for a tough road contest.
Jokic's Injury Timeline and Impact on Denver
Nikola Jokic is dealing specifically with a left knee bone bruise, an injury sometimes described as a hyperextension. The Nuggets have adopted a consistently cautious approach to his recovery. While there is internal confidence that the two-time MVP will return well before the NBA playoffs begin, the most conservative estimates point to a return no later than the All-Star break.
His absence creates a monumental void in the Nuggets' system. This season, Jokic is putting up astronomical numbers, averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game. He is the engine of Denver's offense, its primary scorer, facilitator, and decision-maker. While the team has managed to stay near the top of the competitive West, their offensive stability and efficiency take a massive hit when he is not orchestrating the play.
Game Preview: Shorthanded Nuggets Face Celtics at TD Garden
The matchup, scheduled to tip off between 7:00 and 7:30 PM ET at TD Garden, has lost much of its star power but gains intrigue as a test of depth. The Boston Celtics enter with a 23-12 record, good for second place in the Eastern Conference. They, too, are missing a key piece, as Jayson Tatum remains out with an Achilles issue. However, the Celtics have continued to perform well in his absence.
Boston's elite defense, ranked second in the league in points allowed, now faces a severely depleted Denver offense. This gives the Celtics a clear strategic advantage, particularly in half-court sets. Jaylen Brown is expected to spearhead the Celtics' attack, with crucial support from Derrick White. Denver will need heroic performances from its remaining healthy players and bench unit to compete, especially if Jamal Murray is also unable to suit up. The Nuggets are coming off a resilient 125-124 overtime victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 5, proving they can win shorthanded, but the challenge in Boston is formidable.
