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.

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.

Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was sidelined for Denver’s clash with Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night because of an illness.

MVP candidates Jayson Tatum and Nikola Jokic have been announced as the NBA's Players of the Week for Week 11.

Sometimes, timing is everything. Tuesday night's matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics, the first this season between two teams with equally deep playoff aspirations, will showcase both of the NBA's reigning Players of the Week on the same floor.

Tatum has been recognized as Player of The Week 12 times in his career, the third-most in Celtics’ franchise history behind just Paul Pierce (17) and Larry Bird (15).

Jokić wins the award for the second time this season and has now earned Western Conference Player of the Week honors 16 times in his career, the most in franchise history. Jokić, 29, averaged 36.5 points,

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 11