Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic out against Celtics due to illness

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic will not play against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, the team announced.

Jokic is suffering from a non-COVID-related illness and did not warm up on the main floor of Ball Arena before the game, which will air on TNT with a tip-off at 8 p.m. This is the fourth game he has missed this season. The other three were in November for the birth of her second child.

The three-time MVP is averaging 31.5 points, 13 rebounds and 9.7 assists while shooting a league-leading 47.3 percent from the 3-point line. Denver’s net rating is 25.8 points per 100 possessions, better with him on the court than with him on the bench this season.

“He wasn’t feeling well yesterday, and it only got worse today, which is unfortunate,” coach Michael Malone said in his pre-match press conference, when Jokic been designated as doubtful. “First of all, we have a game tonight. And second, it’s his Christmas vacation. … He’s trying to make it, and if he can’t make it, then we’ll rely on someone else.

Dario Saric replaced Jokic in the starting lineup, playing his first game since November 23, 2024. He also started the three games Jokic missed in November.

The Celtics are without CU graduate Derrick White, who is also dealing with an illness.

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Originally published: January 7, 2025 at 7:14 p.m. MST