What was supposed to be the NBA’s headline act on January 7, 2026—the Denver Nuggets taking on the Boston Celtics in a potential NBA Finals rematch—has been dramatically rewritten by the injury bug. In a stunning double blow, league MVP Nikola Jokic and superstar Jayson Tatum are both sidelined, turning this Nuggets vs Celtics clash from a battle of titans into a fascinating chess match of depth and execution .
For fans who tuned in expecting a showcase of the league’s best talents, the reality is a more unpredictable, yet arguably more revealing, contest. Without their anchors, both teams are forced to rely on role players to step into the spotlight. The question on everyone’s mind: who will rise to the occasion?
Table of Contents
- Full Injury Report: Who’s Really Out?
- Nuggets vs Celtics: What the Absences Mean
- Key Players to Watch in the Absence of Stars
- Coaching Battle: Malone vs. Mazzulla
- Where to Watch Nuggets vs Celtics in India
- Historical Context and Season Implications
- Conclusion: A Different Kind of Showdown
- Sources
Full Injury Report: Who’s Really Out?
The official injury reports released ahead of the game paint a clear picture of a depleted lineup for both contenders.
Denver Nuggets:
- Nikola Jokic (Out – Hamstring): The reigning MVP is resting a lingering hamstring issue. His absence is a massive blow to Denver’s offensive engine and defensive anchor .
- Jamal Murray (Questionable – Knee): While listed as questionable, reports suggest he is likely to play but may be on a minutes restriction, limiting his explosiveness .
Boston Celtics:
- Jayson Tatum (Out – Illness): A sudden illness has kept Tatum off the court, depriving Boston of its primary scoring option and go-to closer .
- Robert Williams III (Out – Knee): The defensive stalwart remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury, further thinning Boston’s frontcourt depth .
Nuggets vs Celtics: What the Absences Mean
With Jokic and Tatum out, the fundamental nature of this game shifts entirely.
Denver’s offense, which typically flows through Jokic’s unparalleled passing and scoring, will now rely heavily on secondary creators. The team will need to play a more free-flowing, perimeter-oriented style—a significant departure from their usual methodical, post-centric attack.
For Boston, the loss of Tatum means their offense loses its primary isolation and high-volume scorer. The onus will fall on Jaylen Brown to carry an enormous offensive load, while the team will likely lean into their league-leading defense to generate transition opportunities.
Key Players to Watch in the Absence of Stars
This game is a golden opportunity for role players to make their mark on a national stage.
For the Nuggets:
- Aaron Gordon: The athletic forward will be Denver’s primary interior presence. He’ll need to dominate the glass and finish at the rim.
- Christian Braun: With more minutes available, the young guard’s defensive tenacity and spot-up shooting will be crucial.
For the Celtics:
- Jaylen Brown: He becomes the undisputed alpha. Can he carry the scoring and playmaking load for 40 minutes?
- Derrick White / Jrue Holiday: The veteran backcourt duo must control the tempo, limit Denver’s transition chances, and hit open threes.
Coaching Battle: Malone vs. Mazzulla
This game has now become a true coaching duel. For Denver’s Michael Malone, the challenge is to design offensive sets that don’t rely on Jokic’s unique skillset, promoting ball movement and player freedom. For Boston’s Joe Mazzulla, the task is to maintain their defensive identity while adapting their half-court offense to function without their most dynamic creator.
The coach who makes the better in-game adjustments and gets the most out of his bench will likely take home the win.
Where to Watch Nuggets vs Celtics in India
For fans in India, catching this pivotal NBA game is easy. The match will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network (Sony TEN 2) and can be streamed on the SonyLIV app and website. Game time is approximately 5:30 AM IST on January 8, 2026 .
Historical Context and Season Implications
The Nuggets and Celtics represent the NBA’s present and potential future. Denver is the defending champion looking to prove their title wasn’t a fluke, while Boston, the 2024 champions, are seeking to reclaim their throne .
A win in this game, under these circumstances, would be a massive confidence boost. It would demonstrate that both franchises have the depth and coaching to win even when their best players are unavailable—a crucial trait for any team hoping to survive a grueling playoff run. As the official NBA website notes, championship teams are often defined by their ability to overcome adversity .
Conclusion: A Different Kind of Showdown
While the absence of Jokic and Tatum is a disappointment for fans of star power, it creates a unique and compelling narrative. This Nuggets vs Celtics game is no longer about individual brilliance; it’s a pure test of team structure, depth, and coaching acumen. It’s a chance for unsung heroes to become overnight sensations and for both franchises to prove their championship mettle extends far beyond their superstars. Don’t sleep on this one—it might just be more revealing than the game we all expected.
For more on the NBA’s evolving landscape, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:nba-championship-contenders-2026]. To learn about the impact of injuries in modern sports, read our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:sports-injury-analysis].
Sources
[1] Times of India. “Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics: Regular season game, full injury report, who’s out, where to watch & more (January 7, 2026).”
[2] NBA.com Official Injury Reports, January 2026.
[3] ESPN. “NBA Power Rankings: Celtics and Nuggets Lead the Pack.”
[4] NBA.com. “What Makes a Champion? Depth, Defense, and Resilience.” https://www.nba.com/