The Boston Celtics travel to Ball Arena to face the Denver Nuggets on February 25, 2026, in a high-profile matchup between two championship contenders. This game has the feel of a potential NBA Finals preview, as both teams sit near the top of their respective conferences and rely heavily on their MVP-caliber leaders. Boston has stayed strong despite the long-term absence of Jayson Tatum, with Jaylen Brown carrying the scoring load and the team continuing to play elite defense. Denver, meanwhile, remains one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league, led by Nikola Jokic, whose all-around dominance makes the Nuggets especially tough to beat at home.
The Celtics enter this game on a strong run and have been excellent against the spread on the road. Their defense is among the best in the league, allowing the fewest points per game, which will be tested against a Denver offense that leads the NBA in scoring. The Nuggets hold a home-court advantage at high altitude and rely on Jokic’s playmaking and efficiency to control the pace. With playoff positioning at stake and both teams in good form, this matchup is expected to be competitive and tactical. Below is the full preview with standings, recent form, injury updates, key player stats, head-to-head trends, and the best betting picks.
Match Information
| Match | Boston Celtics vs Denver Nuggets |
|---|---|
| Date | February 25, 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Ball Arena, Denver |
| TV | ESPN |
| Spread | Nuggets -3.5 to -4.5 |
| Over/Under | 228.5 – 229.5 |
| Moneyline | Nuggets slight favorites |
Current Standings & Team Stats
| Team | Record | Conference Rank | PPG | Points Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | 38-19 | East – 2nd | 115.0 | 107.6 (No.1 Defense) |
| Nuggets | 36-22 | West – Top 4 | 120.1 | 116.3 |
Recent Form (Last 10 Games)
| Team | Last 10 | ATS | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | 9-1 | 8-2 | Four-game winning streak |
| Nuggets | 4-6 | 4-6 | Inconsistent stretch |
Boston has been one of the hottest teams recently and has performed well as a road underdog. Denver has struggled to cover at home despite its strong overall record.
Also see: Most Dunks by a Guard in NBA History
Injury Report
Boston Celtics
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | Out – Achilles |
| Jaylen Brown | Day-to-day – Knee |
Denver Nuggets
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Aaron Gordon | Out – Hamstring |
| Peyton Watson | Out – Hamstring |
| Jalen Pickett | Out – Knee |
| Jamal Murray | Probable – Hamstring |
| Julian Strawther | Probable – Toe |
Key Player Season Stats
Boston Celtics
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | 29.2 | 7.0 | 4.9 |
| Derrick White | 17.1 | 4.5 | 5.7 |
| Nikola Vucevic | 16.2 | 8.8 | 3.5 |
| Payton Pritchard | 17.4 | 4.2 | 5.4 |
Boston ranks third in three-pointers made (15.4 per game) and commits the fewest turnovers in the league.
Denver Nuggets
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic | 28.8 | 12.5 | 10.5 |
| Jamal Murray | 25.5 | 4.4 | 7.5 |
| Michael Porter Jr. | 18+ | — | — |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | 13.9 | 2.6 | 1.3 |
Jokic has recorded 21 triple-doubles this season and is averaging over 28-12-10 at home.
Head-to-Head (H2H)
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Last Meeting | Nuggets won 114-110 |
| Recent Trend | Jokic strong vs Boston at home |
| Home Edge | Denver advantage at Ball Arena |
| Series Edge | Nuggets slight recent edge |
The altitude and Denver’s home environment have historically played a role in close matchups.
Betting Trends & Insights
- Celtics are 7-3 ATS as road underdogs
- Nuggets are 8-10 ATS as home favorites
- Boston allows a league-low 107.6 points per game
- Denver averages 120+ points per game (No.1 in NBA)
- Celtics have hit the Under in 8 of last 10 games
- Combined scoring average: 235+ points
Best Picks for Celtics vs Nuggets
| Market | Pick |
|---|---|
| Spread | Celtics +3.5 |
| Total | Under 229.5 |
| Player Prop | Nikola Jokic to Record a Triple-Double |
| Moneyline | Lean: Nuggets |
Match Prediction
This game is expected to be tight and competitive. Boston’s elite defense and strong road performance give them a good chance to keep the score close, even without Tatum. However, Denver’s home advantage and Jokic’s all-around impact make the Nuggets slightly more reliable in crunch time.
Predicted Score:
Nuggets 116 – Celtics 113
The Celtics have the defensive strength and discipline to challenge Denver, but the Nuggets’ home environment and Jokic’s ability to control the game give them a small edge. Expect a playoff-style matchup with slower pace, strong defense, and a close finish. Boston should cover the spread, while Denver remains the safer choice to win outright.
