After a day without NBA action due to Election Day in the United States, the league returns with a packed 14-game schedule. One of the matchups on Wednesday night sees the Toronto Raptors head to Denver to take on the Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Raptors outlook
Record: 4-3
Offensive Rating: 116.3 (6th)
Raptors’ previous result: @ Clippers, 125-118 W
Toronto needed a remarkable finish to escape Los Angeles with a win. After falling behind by as many as 16 points against the Clippers, the Raptors exploded for 47 points in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback and leave with a 125-118 victory.Â
One thing the Raptors have done surprisingly well this season is crash the offensive glass. Toronto leads the NBA with 15.3 offensive rebounds per game. Not bad for a group that hasn’t exactly had a straightforward answer at the five. The opportunity is there to keep that number climbing, too, with Denver ranking 19th in total rebounds per game and 21st in defensive rebounding. If Toronto can turn missed shots into extra possessions, it could give itself a few more chances to keep up with Denver’s high powered offence.
If the Raptors needed any more encouragement to attack the glass, they only have to look at Denver’s last game. The Nuggets surrendered 53 rebounds to the Portland Trail Blazers, including 21 on the offensive end. That’s a lot of second chances to give away in one night. Toronto will be hoping to take advantage, especially if they struggle with their shot like they did early on in their last game.
Nuggets outlook
Record: 3-3
Offensive Rating: To be confirmed
Nuggets’ previous result: Vs. Portland Trail Blazers 118-110 L
There will be a familiar face on the opposing side for Toronto fans, with DeMar DeRozan now playing in Denver. A potential return to Toronto was a talking point during the offseason, but that possibility never came together. Instead, DeRozan has taken on a different role with the Nuggets, providing scoring punch off the bench.
Despite the reputation Ball Arena has earned as a difficult place for visiting teams to play due to the high altitude, Denver has had a rocky start at home. The Nuggets have lost two of their first three games in their building and needed a major fourth-quarter comeback against the New Orleans Pelicans on Oct. 24 to avoid an 0-3 home start. Denver erased an 18-point deficit in the final quarter before eventually securing the win in overtime.
The biggest storyline entering this matchup could be Nikola Jokic and whether Toronto can find a way to slow him down. The three-time MVP has started the season below his usual standards, averaging 5.7 fewer points, 3.2 fewer rebounds and 1.7 fewer assists than he did last season through his first six games. His shooting has also been uncharacteristically poor, with a 47.7 percent mark from the field and just 22.8 percent from three-point range.
Toronto’s situation at centre could make this an especially appealing matchup for him, particularly if Jakob Poeltl is unavailable or limited by his shoulder injury.Â
Game Info
Tip-Off: 9:00 p.m. ET
Television: TSN/TSN+
Radio: Sportsnet 590
Venue: Ball Arena
Starting Lineups (Projected)
Denver Nuggets
PG: Jamal Murray
SG: Christian Braun
SF: Cameron Johnson
PF: Aaron Gordon
C: Nikola Jokić
Toronto Raptors
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: RJ Barrett
SF: Ja’Kobe Walter
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Collin Murray-Boyles
Injury Report
Toronto Raptors
Nate Bittle – Out (Foot)
Kawhi Leonard – Out (Left knee swelling)
Jakob Poeltl – Questionable (Left shoulder bursitis)
Denver Nuggets
Cameron Johnson – Probable (Lower body management)
Alpha Diallo – Probable (Wrist)
Julian Strawther – Out (Knee)
Spencer Jones – Out (Hamstring)
