Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight vs the Boston Celtics? Latest update on the Denver Nuggets star’s injury report (Jan 7, 2026) | NBA News
Nikola Jokic will not play tonight against the Boston Celtics on January 7, 2026. The Denver Nuggets have ruled out their star center due to a left knee bone bruise, keeping him sidelined for another game.This matchup was expected to be one of the better games on the schedule, but injuries have changed the picture. Denver arrives in Boston missing several rotation players, while the Celtics are also without a key starter. What remains is a game that will likely be decided by depth and execution rather than star power.
Nikola Jokic’s injury situation vs Boston Celtics (January 7, 2026)
Nikola Jokic is dealing with a left knee bone bruise. Some updates have described it as a hyperextended knee, but the team has stayed consistent with its approach. Jokic has already missed multiple games, and while there is confidence he will return before the postseason, the most cautious timeline points to no later than the All-Star break.Jokic is not the only absence for Denver. Cam Johnson is out with a right knee bone bruise. Jonas Valanciunas is sidelined due to a right calf strain. Tamar Bates remains unavailable following left foot surgery. Jamal Murray is questionable with a left ankle sprain, Aaron Gordon is dealing with a right hamstring strain, Christian Braun has a left ankle issue, and Tim Hardaway Jr. is questionable due to illness.
Where both teams stand
The Denver Nuggets enter the game with a 24-12 record, fourth in the Western Conference. The Celtics are 23-12 and sit second in the East. The game tips off at TD Garden between 7:00 and 7:30 PM ET and closes out Denver’s road trip.Denver is coming off a 125-124 overtime win against Philadelphia on January 5, a game they won despite being short-handed. Boston continues to play well even without Jayson Tatum, who remains out with an Achilles issue.
What Denver Nuggets lose without Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists this season. Without him, Denver loses its main scorer, passer, and decision-maker. The Nuggets have stayed near the top of the West, but their offense is far less stable when he is not on the floor.If Jamal Murray is able to play, his presence would ease some of that pressure. If not, Denver will need strong minutes from its bench to stay competitive.
Boston’s edge at home
Boston’s defense ranks second in the league in points allowed. Jokic’s absence gives them a clear advantage, especially in the half court. Jaylen Brown is expected to lead the offense, with Derrick White providing support.Also read: Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics regular season game: Full injury report, who’s out, where to watch, nd more (January 7, 2026)With Denver missing so many players, the Celtics have a strong chance to control the game and take advantage of playing at home.
