Raptors face Nuggets in Denver amid strong start despite injuries
The Toronto Raptors have a top-ten offence and defence despite early injuries to Kawhi Leonard and Jakob Poeltl.
DENVER · The Toronto Raptors face the Denver Nuggets in a midweek NBA game on Wednesday. The Raptors enter the contest with a 4-3 record but rank in the top ten in both offensive and defensive rating, according to Cleaning the Glass. That strong start comes despite early injury woes for star forward Kawhi Leonard and starting centre Jakob Poeltl. Leonard, who returned to Toronto this season for the first time since 2019, left with a left knee injury after only two games and is expected back soon.
Much of Toronto's success is credited to Scottie Barnes, who is averaging 24.4 points per game while maintaining his status as one of the league's best defenders. "That kind of two-way impact gives them a high floor night to night," an analysis from DraftKings Network said. RJ Barrett has stepped into a role as the second scoring option in Leonard's absence, and Immanuel Quickley is also providing offensive punch. The team also has capable defenders in Collin Murray-Boyles, Jamal Shead, and Ja'Kobe Walter to complement Barnes' defensive tone-setting.
The Denver Nuggets, meanwhile, have been less inspiring early in the season. The team ranks in the late teens in both offensive and defensive rating, according to the analysis. Beyond stars Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon, the roster has looked unimposing. Cam Johnson has not been the presence expected when they acquired him from the Nets. DeMar DeRozan "looks like a guy who realized he's accidentally become too important at work," the analysis said. Jokic himself has not been as transcendent offensively as in past seasons.
The matchup will feature a key battle between Jokic and the Raptors' active defence. "It'll be fascinating to see what Jokic can do against this Raptors defense," the DraftKings analysis said. "Toronto will have plenty of active hands trying to stop his dribbling and passing, and rebounding is no easy feat against them." The analysis predicted a physical game, stating, "A physical, talented team like Toronto comes into Denver's house and knocks their teeth out early. I don't expect Denver's offense to weather the storm."
With files from DraftKings Network