Final: Celtics 110, Nuggets 103 - Horford turns back clock, White big in clutch

BOSTON CELTICS (43-17) vs. DENVER NUGGETS (39-21)

TD Garden, 1 p.m. - ABC

Line: Celtics -3.5

INJURIES

Boston: Kristaps Porzingis (OUT, illness), Jrue Holiday (OUT, finger)

Denver: Aaron Gordon (GAME TIME DECISION, ankle), Zeke Njai (QUESTIONABLE, ankle), Vlatko Cancar (OUT, knee), DaRon Holmes (OUT, Achilles), Peyton Watson (OUT, knee)

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Attacking Nikola Jokic: Jayson Tatum loves going at slow-footed bigs, and as awesome as Jokic is offensively, putting him in a defensive blender is the best way to break Denver down. Michael Malone hinted at doing something different today with the early start, which certainly raises my interest in this game plan. But no matter what they try, attacking Jokic and making him work defensively is Boston’s plan. 

2. Bench production: One of the reasons Boston lost to Cleveland was getting six points from the bench. Payton Pritchard and Luke Kornet don’t have to do a lot, but they have to do something. I expect there to be more opportunities against a weaker defense. 

3. Limiting Michael Porter Jr.: He is a key to providing the scoring punch Denver needs. When he shoots well, they tend to win. When he shoots poorly, they tend to lose. There is a 10% difference in his 3-point shooting percentage in wins and losses (44.8% vs. 34.6%) and he’s coming off a monster shooting night in Detroit, so the Celtics need to be very aware of where he is and make him as uncomfortable as possible. 

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.