The Denver Nuggets are set to face off against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night in a pivotal game for the Nuggets, as they'll have a chance to prove themselv

Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was sidelined for Denver's clash with Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night because of an illness.

The Celtics won’t need to worry about facing one of the NBA’s best players Tuesday night in Denver. An hour before tipoff at Ball Arena, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was ruled out due to illness, leaving a crater in the Nuggets’ lineup.

"Injury Update: Nikola Jokic (Illness) will be out tonight against the Boston Celtics," the Nuggets announced. Sure enough, Nuggets fans expressed disappointment with the news, especially amid high expectations of an incredible battle between the two powerhouse teams.

Playing without center Nikola Jokic, who was scratched before the game with a non-COVID illness, t Nuggets pushed the Boston Celtics to the limit, but came up short, losing 118-106.

DENVER — Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was sidelined for Denver’s clash with Jayson Tatum and the Celtics on Tuesday night because of an illness. The Nuggets center went from probable to questionable to out over the course of the day. He was seen leaving the arena a little more than an hour before tipoff.

Nikola Jokic will miss his fourth game of this season due to illness. He did not warm up before the Nuggets hosted the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.

Denver Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokic was ruled out of Tuesday night's home 118-106 loss to the Boston Celtics.

Jayson Tatum had 29 points, Kristaps Porzingis finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds and the visiting Boston Celtics beat the short-handed Denver Nuggets 118-106 on Tuesday night.