The Toronto Raptors return home to Scotiabank Arena as the Denver Nuggets come into town.
Toronto put up a valiant effort against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 26, but unfortunately lost 112-101.
This young Raptors team is going through a gauntlet to begin their season. Now, they have to focus on trying to contain Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
However, Denver is struggling out of the gates as they are 0-2. Coming off two consecutive home losses against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers.
For Toronto this is a chance to catch a championship-level team off their game.
To help their chances, the Raptors will be getting RJ Barrett back who will be making his season debut. Barrett had been out with an AC joint injury that kept him sidelined for the Raptors first three games. Ochai Agbaji is expected to move back to the bench.
Raptors first-round pick Ja’Kobe Walter has been assigned to the Raptors 905. As for Immanuel Quickley he remains doubtful. Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown will be sidelined as well.
This contest could ultimately boil down to bench scoring and whose bench can perform. On Saturday, Toronto did not have any double figure scoring come from off the bench.
The Nuggets bench struggles as well against the Clippers on Saturday. While Denver’s starting lineup remains strong, the Raptors cannot allow a struggling bench unit to find some life.
Russell Westbrook is a player that leads that group, so head coach Darko Rajakvoic needs to force him to make quick decisions.
If the Raptors want to pull off the upset, multiple players need to stand out in this one.
Denver Nuggets (0-2) vs. Toronto Raptors (1-2)
7:30 p.m. EST, Monday, October 28, 2024
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
TV: TSN
Projected Nuggets Starting Lineup:
PG: Jamal Murray
SG: Christian Braun
SF: Michael Porter Jr.
PF: Aaron Gordon
C: Nikola Jokic
Key Reserves: Russell Westbrook, Dario Saric, Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther
Projected Raptors Starting Lineup:
PG: Davion Mithell
SG: Gradey Dick
SF: RJ Barrett
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Reserves: Chris Boucher, Jamal Shead, Bruno Fernando
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