Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct 4, 2024

Reigning NBA champions Boston Celtics will take on the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi as part of the preseason slate of games starting Oct. 4 at Etihad Arena. Both teams are expected to make deep runs in the 2024-25 season. The Nuggets won the title in 2022-23, while the Celtics bagged the trophy last season.

There are players on the injury list from both camps. Kristaps Porzingis continues to recover from his ankle issues and will sit out for the Celtics. The Nuggets will be without DaRon Holmes II (Achilles). Peyton Watson and Jalen Picket are likely to be sidelined till the start of the season.

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Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Preview, predicted starting lineups, odds, and prediction

The preseason matchup is scheduled to tip off at noon ET. Local coverage will be on NBC Sports Boston. The game can streamed live on Sling and the NBA App with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.

Here's a quick look at the odds ahead of the marquee matchup:

Teams	Spread	Moneyline	Total (o/u)
Denver Nuggets	+2.5	-145	o217.5
Boston Celtics	-2.5	+120	u217.5

Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.

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Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics preview

Preseason games are meant to give teams a chance to fine-tune their game plans, and that will be the case as both heavyweights look to get their 2024-25 campaign off to a quick start.

Jamal Murray will be in the spotlight after last suiting up for Canada in the Olympics. Practice footage showed him working himself back to game rhythm, and it will be interesting to see if coach Mike Malone gives him extended minutes to shake off the off-season rust.

The focus will also be on offseason acquisition Russell Westbrook. If the Nuggets decide to go with Christian Braun at point, that would mean the former MVP will spearhead the second unit. Dario Saric and Vlatko Cancar will join him in an entirely different second-unit frontcourt than last season.

Boston will be without Kristaps Porzingis as the big continues to recover from his injury. Offense has been the Celtics' biggest weapon with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading a versatile unit. They also have Jrue Holiday and Derrick White who excel on defense while chipping in on the scoring front.

Coach Joe Mazzulla is unlikely to tinker with strategies that saw them win the championship last edition. They are projected to win around 58 games this season.

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Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics predicted starting lineup

The Celtics will likely field Jrue Holiday and Derrick White as the backcourt, with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum at SF and PF respectively. Veteran big Al Horford will fill in for the injured Porzingis.

The Nuggets will have Jamal Murray and Christian Braun taking over guard duties. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. will form the frontcourt with Nikola Jokic at center.

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Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics prediction

The Nuggets are expected to use the preseason to figure out combinations with new faces coming off the bench. Between that and their key players warming up to the task, expect the Celtics to win this contest given their set combination and playing styles.