The Nuggets stagger into Boston bloodied and bruised\u2014but still swinging. After an all-time bench win against a very good Sixers team on Monday night, heroes Peyton Watson, Spencer Jones, and Jalen Pickett should have more help tonight as Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are all available to play. <\/p>\n
It will take another legendary performance to rip one from the Celtics, though, who have won 8 out of their last 9 on the back of MVP-like production from Jaylen Brown. Tatum\u2019s running mate is averaging nearly 30\/6\/5 on 50% shooting and has the Celtics rolling toward an improbable top seed in the East. A win tonight would give the Nuggets a 3-4 record on what could easily have been a season-derailing road trip. <\/p>\n
The Basics<\/p>\n
Who: Denver Nuggets (24-12) at Boston Celtics (23-12)<\/p>\n
When: 5:00PM MST<\/p>\n
Where: TD Garden, The Town<\/p>\n
How to watch\/listen: ESPN \/ Altitude TV \/ + \/ Radio<\/p>\n
Rival Blog: Celtics Blog <\/a>(yes, that\u2019s actually what it\u2019s called)<\/p>\n Injury Report | Nuggets: Jamal Murray\u2014questionable (ankle); Aaron Gordon \u2014questionable (hamstring); Christian Braun\u2014questionable (ankle); Tim Hardaway Jr.\u2014questionable (illness); Nikola Jokic\u2014out (knee); Cameron Johnson\u2014out (knee); Jonas Valanciunas\u2014out (calf)<\/p>\n Celtics: Jayson Tatum\u2014out (Achilles); Josh Minott\u2014out (ankle)<\/p>\n The Three Things<\/p>\n The thing to watch for: Can Jalen Pickett continue to make a case to be the backup PG?<\/p>\n Pickett arrived on Monday night in Philadelphia. He controlled the game from start to finish, flashing elite game management, three-point shooting, and a herky-jerky YMCA-game reminiscent of Nuggets great Andre Miller. Many who have followed the team closely weren\u2019t surprised to see another Calvin Booth find show why he\u2019s worth a roster spot.<\/p>\n But a lingering question all season has been whether or not the Nuggets should use their remaining slot to bring in a \u201creal\u201d backup PG, a veteran perhaps, who\u2019s more naturally attuned to the role than Bruce Brown. With Spencer Jones looking like a very serious candidate to fill that spot if the Nuggets can make the money work, Pickett\u2019s ascendance is very much welcomed. Another strong showing tonight would go a long way toward solidifying the team\u2019s confidence in his unique skill set.<\/p>\n Back when I mostly focused on dynasty\/fantasy hoops, I tabbed Jalen Pickett as a breakout candidate<\/p>\n He was someone who had a productive skillset and was spoken about highly within the Nuggets FO<\/p>\n And while that potential didn\u2019t materialize back then, he\u2019s showcasing it now https:\/\/t.co\/2cYzqtjkTO<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/AHqdjNoTFP<\/a><\/p>\n