The Toronto Raptors played the Denver Nuggets exactly one week ago, the difference this time is that the game is in Colorado as opposed to Canada. Two places that love hockey but have hosted Larry O’Brien more recently than Lord Stanley… especially for Canada. 

On the hardwood, the Nuggets are in a better situation, and have had more success recently, including winning their match a week ago. Both teams have star players out and are still trying to find their footing in the season.

 

 

 

Denver Nuggets: Softer Than A Lullaby

The Denver Nuggets will once again be without Jamal Murray who is in concussion protocol. The Russell Westbrook signing is looking more like a great move amongst major criticism from both media and NBA fans.

Nikola Jokic is capable of being a point-center in any game, and he has 132 triple doubles in his career. Meanwhile the triple-double leader will be on the court as the Nuggets starting point guard and has 199 all-time triple doubles. Jokic’s passes are sometimes faster than a John Elway dart, and sometimes softer than a lullaby. He has an excellent touch to his assists game.

Aaron Gordon is coming off of a double-double and is still underrated as a power forward. Christian Braun is playing better than even his most optimistic fans anticipated. And although there is a sense of gloom and the Nuggets not having what it takes this year, they did have what it takes to beat the Raptors.

 

 

 

The Toronto Raptors: Closer To The Heart

It has been a massive blow for the rebuilding Raptors to lose their leader, Scottie Barnes. His orbital fracture will take time to heal and it could be a month before he returns. The Raptors took the Nuggets to overtime a week ago, and that was in large part to ‘clutch Murray making a field goal in the last seconds of the game. The Raptors should have won.ko9

The Raptors are actually scoring more over their last three games but are not stopping a nosebleed. They did win their last game against the Sacramento Kings and could be figuring out their rhythm without Barnes. With exactly one week since they last played each other, it should be a competitive match. 

 

 

 

Denver Nuggets Starting Lineup

Toronto Raptors Starting Lineup

 

 

 

Raptors vs. Nuggets Predictions & Picks Today: Saturday, 11/4

Nikola Jokic To Record Triple-Double (+190 on BetMGM)

Nikola Jokic is climbing up the triple-double all-time list and has a great opportunity to add to his total tonight. The last time the Nuggets played the Raptors Jokic focused on scoring, not passing. He put up a season high 40 points, but a season low 4 assists.

Jokic only has two triple-doubles this season but has been within one more rebound or assists in three games this season. He is still a leading candidate for the MVP award, and is averaging 29.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.8 assists this season. 

With Jamal Murray ruled out while in the concussion protocol Jokic could have a new focus in this match. He could be more of a pass first option. The Nuggets are playing on their home court after a day’s rest, and all players should have fresh legs and a couple good nights of sleep.

 

 

 

Same Game Parlay: Dick O19.5 Points, Porter Jr. O2.5 Threes Made, Denver -4.5 (+315 on DraftKings)

For the same game parlay Gradey Dick has scored 22 points or more in his last three games. He has picked up the pace with so many injuries to the Toronto Raptors. Twenty points seems like an easy point prop to cover for the starting guard.

Michael Porter Jr. is known for his three point scoring and has made three or more in his last three games. Without Jamal Murray he has more opportunities as the Nuggets best three point scorer. He should see 7-10 attempts tonight, and only needs to make three.

The Nuggets are 10.5 point favorites tonight, and the teased down odds are a safety net to cover what could be a closer game than anticipated. But they could easily cover the original spread as well. It’s a teased down spread to increase the odds without sacrificing much juice. +315 for a three-fold parlay with data indicating it has a high probability of success.

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky -Iggy-