The Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics will be back at it again on Sunday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It's their second and final preseason matchup as part of the NBA's 2024 Abu Dhabi games. The Nuggets will look to bounce back after losing the first game 107-104 on Friday.
It was a battle of the past two NBA champions, with both the Nuggets and Celtics giving minutes to their starters. Coach Michael Malone played Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon for 15 minutes each, while Nikola Jokic logged 17 minutes.
On the other hand, coach Joe Mazzulla was a little bit more experimental with his lineup without Kristaps Porzingis. Luke Kornet started at center and played 21 minutes, while Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White each had 19 minutes. Jrue Holiday was the most limited at just 12 minutes.
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Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Prediction, Preview and Odds for 2024 NBA Preseason
Moneyline: Nuggets (+130) vs Celtics (-155)
Spread: Nuggets +3 (-110) vs Celtics -3 (-110)
Total (O/U): Nuggets o217.5 (-110) vs Celtics u217.5 (-110)
Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics preview
The first preseason game between the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics was pretty close. The Nuggets jumped to an early lead, but the defending NBA champions battled in the second half led by backup point guard Payton Prichard, who finished with 21 points, four rebounds and six assists.
Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook looked good for the Nuggets off the bench. Westbrook had 12 points, four rebounds and eight assists, while reigning MVP Nikola Jokic put up 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists in limited playing time.
Sunday's game is still the preseason, so it won't be as important as a regular-season game. Nevertheless, it allows both coaches to create a rhythm and find the best lineups possible. They could also experiment ahead of opening night in less than three weeks.
Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Predicted Starting 5s
Nuggets
G - Jamal Murray | G - Christian Braun | F - Michael Porter Jr. | F - Aaron Gordon | C - Nikola Jokic
Celtics
G - Jrue Holiday | G - Derrick White | F - Jaylen Brown | F - Jayson Tatum | C - Luke Kornet
Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics Prediction
The Boston Celtics are slightly favored to beat the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. As mentioned above, this is a preseason game, so coaches are not expected to give their starters heavy minutes.
However, it will likely still be a very competitive game, given that most players are looking to impress and earn minutes next season, while others are trying to make the roster.
Fans should expect another close game, with the Celtics pulling off another win.
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