The Boston Celtics held off the depleted Denver Nuggets 118-106 on Tuesday night as Nikola Jokic sat out because of an illness.

Playing without center Nikola Jokic, who was scratched before the game with a non-COVID illness, t Nuggets pushed the Boston Celtics to the limit, but came up short, losing 118-106.

Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was sidelined for Denver's clash with Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night because of an illness.

The Nuggets were third in the NBA in scoring entering Monday's play, one rung ahead of the Celtics, with an offense not surprisingly built around what star Nikola Jokić does best.

The Boston Celtics head to the Ball Arena to face the Denver Nuggets in a non-conference matchup. The Celtics are 26-10, which puts them in second place in the Eastern Conference. The Nuggets are 20-14, which puts them in fourth place in the Western Conference.

Denver Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokic was ruled out of Tuesday night's home 118-106 loss to the Boston Celtics.

Jayson Tatum had 29 points, Kristaps Porzingis finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds and the visiting Boston Celtics beat the short-handed Denver Nuggets 118-106 on Tuesday night.

Jayson Tatum scored 29 points, Kristaps Porzingis added 25 and the Boston Celtics held off the depleted Denver Nuggets 118-106 on Tuesday night as three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic sat out because of an illness.