Nikola Jokic, Derrick White out for Celtics-Nuggets matchup

Field Level Media|published: Tue 7th January, 22:27 2025

NBA: Denver Nuggets at San Antonio Spurs

Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic will not play against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night due to a non-COVID illness.

It is his fourth missed game this season, after he was away for three games in November for the birth of his son.

Denver coach Michael Malone said Jokic wasn't feeling well Monday and got worse Tuesday. Dario Saric, who fell out of the rotation and has not played since Nov. 23, will start in place of Jokic.

Jokic, the three-time MVP, is second in the NBA in scoring (31.5 points a game) and assists (9.7) and third in rebounding at 13 per night. He is also leading the league in 3-point shooting at 47.3 percent. He also has 14 triple-doubles this season, including three in his last six games.

Boston guard Derrick White is also dealing with an illness and will not play.

White, a starter, is averaging is 17.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists in playing 35 of the Celtics' 36 games going into Tuesday night.

--Field Level Media