Denver @ Boston Game Overview

After losing 117-97 at the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, the Celtics dropped a 123-116 decision to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday in the opener of a seven-game homestand.

Celtics starters Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Jrue Holiday (hand) didn't play in the loss to the Cavaliers and will also sit out Sunday's game.

"It was definitely an intense game, a great atmosphere," Boston's Jaylen Brown said. "You could tell they wanted to beat us and we came out swinging. And we had enough. We had enough to win the game, despite whoever was sitting out, whatever, we should have won this game. A couple possessions that we can improve on and make smarter decisions.

"There are a few plays I wish I could have back, but for the most part we were aggressive and they hit shots, so I give them credit."

Jayson Tatum tossed in a season-high 46 points and had 16 rebounds during the loss, which dropped Boston's home record to 18-11. Tatum and Brown (37 points) scored all but 33 of Boston's points.

"There are things that we both probably could have done to put the team in a better position," Tatum said. "But you learn from it and get ready for Sunday. It should be another fun one."

Boston also lost back-to-back games in late December but avoided a third straight setback by earning a 142-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Sunday's matchup features the last two NBA champions, and two of the NBA's top scorers in Tatum (27.0 points per game) and Denver's Nikola Jokic (29.1). Like Tatum, Jokic put up big numbers Friday night, when he had 23 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists to help Denver end Detroit's eight-game winning streak with a 134-119 decision. It was Jokic's 28th triple-double this season.

"Nikola ... another tremendous triple-double, impacting the game across the board," Denver coach Michael Malone said.

Aaron Gordon didn't play in the victory over Detroit because of a left ankle sprain, which will also keep him out on Sunday.

"I think he had a moment (Thursday) night (in Milwaukee)," Malone said. "Give him a lot of credit for fighting through and getting through that game, but he definitely wasn't moving the way we've become accustomed to seeing him move. So I think he must have rolled it."

Gordon (calf) and Jokic (illness) were both out of the lineup when Boston beat Denver 118-106 on the road Jan. 7. Tatum led all scorers with 29 points in the win, and Porzingis finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Russell Westbrook scored a team-high 26 points for the Nuggets.

That game was tied 93-93 before Boston used a 15-0 run to pull away.

This will be the final stop on a four-game road trip for Denver, which has won 11 of its last 13 games. The Nuggets are 2-1 on the trip thus far.

"We have one game left on this road trip -- a very challenging game," Malone said. "Hopefully we can find a way to go into Boston, compete and give ourselves a chance."

--Field Level Media