Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics: Match Preview and Predictions - 6th December 2019
Match details
Fixture: Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics
Date & Time: Friday, 6 December 2019 (8:00 PM ET)
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
Last game results
Denver Nuggets (14-5): 129-92 win over New York Knicks (5 December, Thursday)
Boston Celtics (15-5): 112-93 win over Miami Heat (4 December, Wednesday)
Denver Nuggets Preview
After dropping two straight games, the Denver Nuggets got back to winning ways with a comfortable victory over the New York Knicks.
They will now fly to Boston for the second matchup of their back-to-back. The Nuggets possess the best defensive rating (101.8) in the league and also shoot almost 47% from the field. Led by the dynamic coupling of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, all five of Denver's starters average double digits in scoring.
Their efficient ball rotation and tendency to make the extra pass means they are amongst the top 5 teams in terms of assists in the NBA right now.
Key Player - Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic has experienced a dip in his scoring numbers of late. Despite the apparent slump in production, the Joker is still the Nuggets' go-to man on offense.
Shooting over 45% from the field, Jokic is averaging 15.4 points and a team-high 10.1 rebounds per game so far this year. His signature no-look dimes have been a sight to behold as Coach Mike Malone keeps finding new ways to run the team's offense through the dynamic center.
Nuggets predicted lineup
Paul Millsap, Gary Harris, Jamal Murray, Will Barton, Nikola Jokic
Boston Celtics Preview
The Boston Celtics occupy the 2nd spot in the Eastern Conference standings with an imposing 15-5 (0.750) win-loss record to their name. They have won seven of their last nine matchups, including a statement victory over the 3rd seed Miami Heat last time around.
Brad Stevens' side will continue to be without Gordon Hayward (Left Hand) and Marcus Smart (Abdomen) when they get set to host the Nuggets in a clash of two powerhouses.
Heading into this game, the Celtics have been averaging almost 111 points per contest and will be keen to keep that going as they look to close the gap on the conference leaders Milwaukee Bucks.
Key Player - Kemba Walker
After suffering what looked like a serious head injury, Kemba Walker recovered quickly to put together a 39-point performance and show us what he is made of.
The 8-year veteran has been shooting a career-high 91% from the free-throw line and is averaging a team-high 21.9 points per game.
He hasn't been very efficient from the field, but his presence on the court has impacted Boston's play and led to crunch. Despite his recent hiccups, Walker is playing over 32 minutes per game and making close to 39% of his shots from deep.
Celtics predicted lineup
Daniel Theis, Kemba Walker, Grant Williams, Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown
Nuggets vs Celtics Match Prediction
The Celtics will look to register their 16th win of the season when they take on the Nuggets at home.
Walker and co have been irresistible at home this season and should have enough in the tank to see off the Nuggets.
Where to Watch Nuggets vs Celtics?
The game will be nationally televised on ESPN. There will also be local coverage on Altitude and NBC Sports Boston from 8:00 PM (ET). You can also live stream the game via NBA League Pass.