Why is Nikola Jokic not playing tonight against Celtics? Latest injury update for Nuggets superstar (Jan. 7)

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was a late scratch for Tuesday's marquee showdown against the Boston Celtics. According to the Nuggets, Jokic was ruled out because of an illness. He was a late addition to the injury report and was questionable before the Nuggets downgraded his status for the game.

Dario Saric replaced Jokic in the starting lineup, featuring Russell Westbrook, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun. The Nuggets will miss Jokic's presence in this clash as the Celtics entered this game nearly 100% healthy, with only Derrick White not playing.

The Nuggets will hope for a big night from Murray and Porter Jr. on the offensive end to compensate for the void left behind by Jokic, who is averaging 31.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and 9.0 assists on the season, shooting 55.3%, including 47.3% from 3.

Nuggets fall short in Nikola Jokic's absence

The Denver Nuggets fought hard without Nikola Jokic on Wednesday but eventually fell short. They were in it until the fourth quarter, but the Celtics, nearly at full strength, were too much to handle for the Jokic-less Nuggets. Russell Westbrook was the key architect for the Nuggets, helping them stay in contention for an upset.

He had a team-high 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists on 9 of 18 shots, including 4 of 9 from 3. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray had 19 points and four assists on 8 of 17 shots, and Michael Porter Jr. finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Nuggets needed more from Murray and Porter Jr. to get the win, especially with Westbrook stepping up big-time.

The Celtics defense wasn't bothered much by Denver, especially in the paint. The Nuggets were well-supported by their hot shooting game early, but once the contest slowed down, it was much easier for the Celtics to guard Westbrook and Co.

Kristaps Porzingis had a solid game after he didn't get to face Nikola Jokic, tallying 25 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. Jayson Tatum added 29 points on 11 of 23 shots.