Daniel Theis out against Nuggets

After initially being listed as questionable with a right index finger sprain on Monday, the Celtics have downgraded Daniel Theis to out for tonight’s game against the Denver Nuggets.

Theis sustained the injury in Sunday’s embarrassing loss to the Washington Wizards, though he ultimately returned to play 20 minutes, finishing with 4 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

The absence will be Theis’ first of the season and comes at an inopportune time since the Celtics will need all hands on deck if they hope to slow superstar big man Nikola Jokic.

Few teams have been able to do that this year—Jokic is averaging 26.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.7 assists—but the matchup will serve as a good test for Tristan Thompson, who was brought to Boston in large part due to his ability to defend both down low and in space.

Regardless, tough game just got tougher.