Arguably the toughest place to play in the NBA is the Mile High City of Denver, and that’s where the Raptors will visit Monday night to face off against two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the West-leading Nuggets, who opened as 7-point favourites on the NBA odds.
Raptors vs. Nuggets NBA Betting Odds
Monday is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams, with Denver at Scotiabank Arena on March 14 – that’s Toronto’s first game back after this road trip.
Last season, they split with each winning on the road. Pascal Siakam averaged 34 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists in the two, and Scottie Barnes 21.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists. Nikola Jokic averaged 27.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists for Dallas. He’s the -350 betting favourite to win a third-straight regular-season MVP Award this year. Only Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell have ever done that.
Jokic also could join Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only players to average a triple-double in a season. Not bad for a guy who was the 41st overall pick in the 2014 draft by Denver. Toronto that year could have had Jokic (every team could have) but chose Brazilian forward Bruno Caboclo at No. 20 overall. Big mistake. The Dinos also had the 37th overall pick and took DeAndre Daniels. He never made the NBA.
Denver leads the all-time series 31-21 and is 18-8 at home. The Raptors are 1-6 ATS in their past seven there, but that cover was last season’s victory.
Toronto Raptors
We projected the Raptors to split their two-game set in Washington, D.C., with a 118-116 victory on Saturday over the Wizards … and it was a 116-109 overtime win. Fred VanVleet made two three-pointers in OT and finished with 25 points – he was terrible shooting on Thursday’s loss there – and 10 assists for his seventh double-double of the season. VanVleet has 50 assists over his last five games played, his second-highest career total in a five-game span (January 2022). Gary Trent Jr. also struggled in the first game vs. Washington but bounced back with 26 points off the bench Saturday. Trent Jr. is averaging 17.3 points in 13 games as a reserve this season, and the Dinos are 17-7 over the past two seasons when he scores at least 25 whether as a starter or off the bench. The Nuggets are the only NBA team that Toronto has not yet played this season. The Raptors are 2-6 ATS in their past eight road games.
Denver Nuggets
Denver will finish as the top seed in the Western Conference and is battling Milwaukee and Boston for the top overall seed throughout the NBA playoffs. The Nuggets improved to 29-4 at home and won their third straight game overall Friday, 113-97 over West second-place Memphis. Nikola Jokic had 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists for his 25th triple-double this season. Denver is 25-0 in those games. Jokic also has shot at least 50 per cent from the field in 50 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NBA this season and third-longest ever (record is 74). Michael Porter Jr. had 26 points and eight rebounds, and Jamal Murray 22 points and nine assists. If those two stay healthy around Jokic, not exactly a sure thing with their recent history, the Nuggets absolutely can win their first NBA title. Murray, from Kitchener, is averaging 20.2 ppg in 50 games after missing all of last season injured. The Nuggets are 20-7 ATS in their past 27 at home.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Raptors vs. Nuggets?
Line History
No odds are available yet.
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Raptors Team Leaders
| Points |
24.23 |
| Assists |
7.17 |
| Rebounds |
9.12 |
| FG% |
65.2 |
| Steals |
1.91 |
| Blocks |
1.31 |
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points | |
| Assists | |
| Rebounds | Did not qualify |
| FG% | |
| Steals | |
| Blocks |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
| Points |
24.23 |
| Assists |
7.17 |
| Rebounds |
9.12 |
| FG% |
65.2 |
| Steals |
1.91 |
| Blocks |
1.31 |
| Points |
24.49 |
| Assists |
9.83 |
| Rebounds |
11.84 |
| FG% |
76.5 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.75 |
| Points | |
| Assists | |
| Rebounds | Did not qualify |
| FG% | |
| Steals | |
| Blocks |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
9.5 |
| Rebounds |
13.45 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.5 |
| Blocks |
1 |
Injuries
O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Fred VanVleet (PG)
Precious Achiuwa (PF)
O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Will Barton (SG)
Precious Achiuwa (PF)
Gary Trent Jr. (SG)
Joe Wieskamp (SG)
Christian Koloko (C)
Dalano Banton (SF)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Aaron Gordon (PF)
Jeff Green (SF)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Reggie Jackson (PG)
Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O.G. Anunoby (SF) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 08 / 04 / 23 | 1-1 | 2-0 | + - |
|
Anunoby is dealing with right ankle soreness, but he is expected to be available against the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Play-in tournament. |
|||||
| Fred VanVleet (PG) | Prob Wed | Thumb - 08 / 04 / 23 | 1-1 | 2-0 | + - |
|
VanVleet is nursing left thumb soreness, but it is anticipated that he will face the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Play-in tournament. |
|||||
| Precious Achiuwa (PF) | Prob Tues | Illness - 04 / 04 / 23 | 3-2 | 3-2 | + - |
|
Achiuwa has an illness, but it is projected that he will take on the Hornets on Tuesday. |
|||||
| O.G. Anunoby (SF) | Prob Tues | Ankle - 03 / 04 / 23 | 3-2 | 3-2 | + - |
|
Anunoby exited the previous contest with a mild ankle sprain, but it will not affect his status for Tuesday's contest versus the Hornets. |
|||||
| Will Barton (SG) | Prob Tues | Ankle - 26 / 03 / 23 | 5-3 | 4-5 | + - |
|
Barton has been absent from the last three games with a left ankle sprain, but he is expected to return against the Hornets in Tuesday's clash. |
|||||
| Precious Achiuwa (PF) | Prob Sun | Hamstring - 22 / 03 / 23 | 6-4 | 5-6 | + - |
|
Achiuwa has sat out the last two contests with right hamstring tightness, but it is likely that he will participate in Sunday's tilt versus the Wizards. |
|||||
| Gary Trent Jr. (SG) | Prob Wed | Back - 22 / 03 / 23 | 6-4 | 5-6 | + - |
|
Trent Jr. has missed the last two games due to back spasms, but it is expected that he will suit up Wednesday against the Celtics. |
|||||
| Joe Wieskamp (SG) | Out indefinitely | Hamstring - 22 / 03 / 23 | 6-4 | 5-6 | + - |
|
Wieskamp is out of the lineup with a right hamstring strain, and he will miss an undetermined amount of time. |
|||||
| Christian Koloko (C) | Ques Sat | Nose - 16 / 03 / 23 | 9-4 | 8-6 | + - |
|
Koloko exited the previous contest with a fractured nose, leaving his status for Saturday's tilt with the Timberwolves cloudy. |
|||||
| Dalano Banton (SF) | Prob Sun | Thumb - 13 / 03 / 23 | 9-5 | 9-6 | + - |
|
Banton has been sidelined due to a left thumb sprain, but it is predicted that he will return to face the Hornets in Sunday's tilt. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Ques Fri | Hand - 08 / 06 / 23 | 2-1 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Murray is dealing with a left hand abrasion, and it is undetermined if he will be active for Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Heat. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Tues | Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 | 6-3 | 3-6 | + - |
|
Murray is managing an illness, but it is expected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Lakers. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Thurs | Illness - 11 / 05 / 23 | 7-3 | 3-7 | + - |
|
Murray is nursing an illness, but it is forecasted that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Suns. |
|||||
| Aaron Gordon (PF) | Prob Sun | Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Gordon is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, but it is projected that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jeff Green (SF) | Prob Sun | Face - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Green is hampered by a facial contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | Prob Sun | Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Murray is tending to a right thumb sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability against the Timberwolves for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Michael Porter Jr. (PF) | Prob Sun | Heel - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Porter is managing a left heel injury, but it is anticipated that he will take to the court versus the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) | Prob Sun | Illness - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Caldwell-Pope is ailing from a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that the symptoms will subside in time for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Timberwolves. |
|||||
| Reggie Jackson (PG) | Prob Sun | Back - 09 / 04 / 23 | 13-8 | 10-10-1 | + - |
|
Jackson is hampered by lower back pain, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Kings on Sunday. |
|||||
| Michael Porter Jr. (PF) | Prob Sat | Heel - 07 / 04 / 23 | 14-9 | 11-11-1 | + - |
|
Porter Jr. is hindered by a heel ailment, but he is expected to take the court against the Jazz on Saturday. |
|||||
-
Line History
No odds are available yet.
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Raptors Team Leaders
Points 24.23
Assists 7.17
Rebounds 9.12
FG% 65.2
Steals 1.91
Blocks 1.31
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points Assists Rebounds Did not qualify FG% Steals Blocks Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
Points 24.23
Assists 7.17
Rebounds 9.12
FG% 65.2
Steals 1.91
Blocks 1.31
Points 24.49
Assists 9.83
Rebounds 11.84
FG% 76.5
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.75
Points Assists Rebounds Did not qualify FG% Steals Blocks Points 30
Assists 9.5
Rebounds 13.45
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.5
Blocks 1
-
Injuries
O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Prob Wed Ankle - 08 / 04 / 23Fred VanVleet (PG)
Prob Wed Thumb - 08 / 04 / 23Precious Achiuwa (PF)
Prob Tues Illness - 04 / 04 / 23O.G. Anunoby (SF)
Prob Tues Ankle - 03 / 04 / 23Will Barton (SG)
Prob Tues Ankle - 26 / 03 / 23Precious Achiuwa (PF)
Prob Sun Hamstring - 22 / 03 / 23Gary Trent Jr. (SG)
Prob Wed Back - 22 / 03 / 23Joe Wieskamp (SG)
Out indefinitely Hamstring - 22 / 03 / 23Christian Koloko (C)
Ques Sat Nose - 16 / 03 / 23Dalano Banton (SF)
Prob Sun Thumb - 13 / 03 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Ques Fri Hand - 08 / 06 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Tues Illness - 15 / 05 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Thurs Illness - 11 / 05 / 23Aaron Gordon (PF)
Prob Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23Jeff Green (SF)
Prob Sun Face - 09 / 04 / 23Jamal Murray (SG)
Prob Sun Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Prob Sun Heel - 09 / 04 / 23Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)
Prob Sun Illness - 09 / 04 / 23Reggie Jackson (PG)
Prob Sun Back - 09 / 04 / 23Michael Porter Jr. (PF)
Prob Sat Heel - 07 / 04 / 23Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes O.G. Anunoby (SF) Prob Wed Ankle - 08 / 04 / 23 1-1 2-0 + - Anunoby is dealing with right ankle soreness, but he is expected to be available against the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Play-in tournament.
Fred VanVleet (PG) Prob Wed Thumb - 08 / 04 / 23 1-1 2-0 + - VanVleet is nursing left thumb soreness, but it is anticipated that he will face the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Play-in tournament.
Precious Achiuwa (PF) Prob Tues Illness - 04 / 04 / 23 3-2 3-2 + - Achiuwa has an illness, but it is projected that he will take on the Hornets on Tuesday.
O.G. Anunoby (SF) Prob Tues Ankle - 03 / 04 / 23 3-2 3-2 + - Anunoby exited the previous contest with a mild ankle sprain, but it will not affect his status for Tuesday's contest versus the Hornets.
Will Barton (SG) Prob Tues Ankle - 26 / 03 / 23 5-3 4-5 + - Barton has been absent from the last three games with a left ankle sprain, but he is expected to return against the Hornets in Tuesday's clash.
Precious Achiuwa (PF) Prob Sun Hamstring - 22 / 03 / 23 6-4 5-6 + - Achiuwa has sat out the last two contests with right hamstring tightness, but it is likely that he will participate in Sunday's tilt versus the Wizards.
Gary Trent Jr. (SG) Prob Wed Back - 22 / 03 / 23 6-4 5-6 + - Trent Jr. has missed the last two games due to back spasms, but it is expected that he will suit up Wednesday against the Celtics.
Joe Wieskamp (SG) Out indefinitely Hamstring - 22 / 03 / 23 6-4 5-6 + - Wieskamp is out of the lineup with a right hamstring strain, and he will miss an undetermined amount of time.
Christian Koloko (C) Ques Sat Nose - 16 / 03 / 23 9-4 8-6 + - Koloko exited the previous contest with a fractured nose, leaving his status for Saturday's tilt with the Timberwolves cloudy.
Dalano Banton (SF) Prob Sun Thumb - 13 / 03 / 23 9-5 9-6 + - Banton has been sidelined due to a left thumb sprain, but it is predicted that he will return to face the Hornets in Sunday's tilt.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Jamal Murray (SG) Ques Fri Hand - 08 / 06 / 23 2-1 1-2 + - Murray is dealing with a left hand abrasion, and it is undetermined if he will be active for Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Heat.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Tues Illness - 15 / 05 / 23 6-3 3-6 + - Murray is managing an illness, but it is expected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference finals versus the Lakers.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Thurs Illness - 11 / 05 / 23 7-3 3-7 + - Murray is nursing an illness, but it is forecasted that he will be available for Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Suns.
Aaron Gordon (PF) Prob Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Gordon is dealing with right shoulder inflammation, but it is projected that he will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves.
Jeff Green (SF) Prob Sun Face - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Green is hampered by a facial contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Timberwolves.
Jamal Murray (SG) Prob Sun Thumb - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Murray is tending to a right thumb sprain, but it is not expected to affect his availability against the Timberwolves for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
Michael Porter Jr. (PF) Prob Sun Heel - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Porter is managing a left heel injury, but it is anticipated that he will take to the court versus the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG) Prob Sun Illness - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Caldwell-Pope is ailing from a non-COVID illness, but it is expected that the symptoms will subside in time for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Timberwolves.
Reggie Jackson (PG) Prob Sun Back - 09 / 04 / 23 13-8 10-10-1 + - Jackson is hampered by lower back pain, but it is not expected to impact his status against the Kings on Sunday.
Michael Porter Jr. (PF) Prob Sat Heel - 07 / 04 / 23 14-9 11-11-1 + - Porter Jr. is hindered by a heel ailment, but he is expected to take the court against the Jazz on Saturday.