Part 2/7:
The stage was set for a captivating clash as the Boston Celtics, who are currently sitting well in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 26-10, prepared to face off against the defending champions from the year prior, the Denver Nuggets, holding a record of 20-14. However, a significant absence was felt—Nikola Jokić, the centerpiece of the Nuggets' success, was sidelined due to illness.
The absence of Jokić stirred conversations among analysts and fans alike, particularly regarding the potential impact on the game dynamics. Some jested that his absence might even boost the Nuggets’ chances, flipping the narrative around common perceptions of team strength when key players are injured.