DENVER — Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was sidelined for Denver’s clash with Jayson Tatum and the Celtics on Tuesday night because of an illness. The Nuggets center went from probable to questionable to out over the course of the day. He was seen leaving the arena a little more than an hour before tipoff.

"Injury Update: Nikola Jokic (Illness) will be out tonight against the Boston Celtics," the Nuggets announced. Sure enough, Nuggets fans expressed disappointment with the news, especially amid high expectations of an incredible battle between the two powerhouse teams.

Nikola Jokic will miss his fourth game of this season due to illness. He did not warm up before the Nuggets hosted the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.

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

Nikola Jokić has been downgraded to out for Tuesday night's matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics.

Tonight will be the first meeting between these two teams this season. Last year, the Nuggets swept the Celtics, and they have their sights set on a repeat of history. The Nuggets have five players listed on the injury report: Aaron Gordon,

The Nuggets were third in the NBA in scoring entering Monday's play, one rung ahead of the Celtics, with an offense not surprisingly built around what star Nikola Jokić does best.

The Boston Celtics head to the Ball Arena to face the Denver Nuggets in a non-conference matchup. The Celtics are 26-10, which puts them in second place in the Eastern Conference. The Nuggets are 20-14, which puts them in fourth place in the Western Conference.

Yes, you can. To listen to Tuesday's Celtics game on the radio, tune into 98.5 FM The Sports Hub at the time of tip-off, as 98.5 is the flagship station of the Boston franchise, according to their website. "Occasionally when scheduling conflicts arise, select games can be heard live on ROCK 92.9," the Sports Hub website said.