NBA: Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Denver Nuggets head for Toronto, where they meet with the Raptors tonight. These two teams are in a playoff chase and need to win at any cost, which promises a very good game at the Scotiabank Arena. Denver played less than 24 hours ago against the Celtics in Boston, losing that event, while the Raptors had more time to recover. As said, the pressure on both units is high, as they hold sixth place in their respective conferences, the last one which leads directly to the playoffs.

Preview

Denver Nuggets (30-25, +125) play in streaks, either winning or losing. Inconsistency is Denver’s trademark this year and the only reason they aren’t higher in the standings. Of course, all this is a consequence of injuries, as Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray still recover from respective surgeries.

Jokic and the boys frequently played against the Atlantic Division teams in recent days, with the most recent clash in Boston against the Cs. As said, they lost that one 108-102, slowing down in the final period and losing it 32-23. Nikola Jokic was, as usual, the best player with 23 points, 16 boards and 11 assists, but hitting only nine of his 20 shots. The Joker had nine turnovers as well.

Aaron Gordon added 17 points, missing all five three-point shots, Facundo Campazzo scored 14, while Will Barton added only 13, proving that he isn’t a reliable solution for the Nuggets.

Toronto Raptors (31-23, -150) won in the last eight meetings accelerating in the best possible moment of the season. The All-Star break comes soon, and that will give Nick Nurse’s side a chance to rest and heal, before the crucial part of the campaign.

Toronto is offensively superb over the latest 10 events, scoring 119.4 points, and shooting 48.6% from the field. They are winning contests with an average margin of 9.1 points throughout that stretch, looking very fluid and sharp while attacking. It seems that after a bit slowed start, the Canadians clicked in.

The Raptors beat the Rockets on the road, 139-120, which was their third in a row away from home. Gary Trent Jr. would finish this event with 42 points 15-for-26, hitting six threes. Pascal Siakam scored 30 buckets, 13-for-19, while OG Anynoby added 13 buckets. Chris Boucher was solid off the bench with 16 points in 23 minutes.

Head to Head Games

These teams didn’t play during the 2021/22 season. Yet, they split the honors evenly during the previous campaign, winning the events at home. The Nuggets won at Mile High, 121-111, and on the other side, the Raptors were better in Florida, as they played at the Amalie Arena at the time, 135-111.

Prediction

Judging by the current form, the Raptors are favorites here and they should win this contest. While Nuggets play inconsistently, depending upon Jokic, Toronto’s recent performances are confident, with all the players contributing. If Siakam fails to show up, Trent is there, if both of them struggle, Fred VanVleet will pop up, etc. That is why we bet on the Raptors to post a victory.

Pick: Raptors Win

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