The Denver Nuggets are set to face off against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night in a pivotal game for the Nuggets, as they'll have a chance to prove themselv

The Celtics won’t need to worry about facing one of the NBA’s best players Tuesday night in Denver. An hour before tipoff at Ball Arena, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was ruled out due to illness, leaving a crater in the Nuggets’ lineup.

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.

"Injury Update: Nikola Jokic (Illness) will be out tonight against the Boston Celtics," the Nuggets announced. Sure enough, Nuggets fans expressed disappointment with the news, especially amid high expectations of an incredible battle between the two powerhouse teams.

The Celtics withstood a valiant upset bid by the Nuggets without Nikola Jokic to close out their road trip with a 118-106 win in Denver.

DENVER — Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was sidelined for Denver’s clash with Jayson Tatum and the Celtics on Tuesday night because of an illness. The Nuggets center went from probable to questionable to out over the course of the day. He was seen leaving the arena a little more than an hour before tipoff.

Boston Celtics topped Denver Nuggets 118-106 without NBA star Jokic. Porzingis shone, scoring 25 points. Ben and Donnie recap the action from Tuesday night.