Denver Nuggets vs Toronto Raptors Picks and Predictions November 4th 2024

Nuggets vs Raptors November 4th 2024

At 10:00 ET, the Toronto Raptors (2-5) will travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets (3-3) at Ball Arena. This non-conference matchup will be televised on ALT.

Oddsmakers have the Nuggets as 9.5-point favorites, with the over/under line set at 228. The Raptors are +328 on the moneyline, while the Nuggets are -425.

Raptors vs. Nuggets Key Information

Toronto improved to 2-5 on the season with a 131-128 win over the Kings on Saturday. The Raptors were +9.5 point underdogs going into the game, and not only won but covered the spread. The total score of 259 points went well over the pre-game line of 235.5.

Toronto jumped out to a 37-29 lead after the 1st quarter, but the Kings fought back, cutting the lead to 96-86 going into the 4th. Sacramento then went on a 12-0 run, extending the score from 111-100 to 123-100, but the Raptors rallied to close out the game.

The Raptors connected on 17 threes at a 45.9% clip in their 131-128 win over the Kings, shooting 48.4% from the field overall. RJ Barrett led the way with 31 points despite shooting just 38.5%, while Chris Boucher added 24 points, hitting 4 threes at 66.7% from deep.

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Ochai Agbaji also hit 4 threes, shooting 80% from beyond the arc and finishing with 22 points. Gradey Dick matched Agbaji’s 22 points, contributing 7 in the 4th quarter and another 4 in overtime.

Despite giving up 128 points, the Raptors managed to secure a win over the Kings. Toronto’s defense had a strong 3rd quarter, where they allowed just 23 points, but they struggled in the 2nd and 4th quarters, giving up 34 points in each. Overall, the Kings shot 46% from the field.

The Raptors did well in limiting Sacramento’s three-point shooting, holding them to just 10 made threes on 25% shooting. Toronto also recorded 13 steals and 3 blocks in the game.

The Nuggets evened their record at 3-3 with a dominant 129-103 win over the Jazz on Saturday. Playing at home, Denver entered the game as -11 point favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 232, surpassing the over/under line of 221.5 by 10.5 points.

Denver set the tone early with a 15-0 run, stretching the score from 6-5 to 21-5. After a closer 2nd quarter (28-30), the Nuggets clamped down defensively in the 3rd, holding the Jazz to 19 points while scoring 34. They went into the 4th quarter with a 99-75 lead and outscored Utah 30-28 in the final period.

In their 131-128 win over the Kings, the Raptors hit 17 threes, shooting 45.9% from deep and 48.4% overall. RJ Barrett led with 31 points, though he shot just 38.5%, while Chris Boucher added 24 points, hitting 4 threes at 66.7%.

Ochai Agbaji also made 4 threes, shooting 80% from beyond the arc, and finishing with 22 points, as did Gradey Dick. Barrett scored 5 points in overtime, and Boucher added 2 more.

Defensively, the Nuggets held the Jazz to 103 points on Saturday, allowing 26 points in the 1st quarter and 30 in the 2nd. Their best effort came in the 3rd, where they gave up just 19 points, before allowing 28 in the 4th.

Denver limited Utah to 41% shooting from the field, including 31% from three-point range, with the Jazz making 13 threes. The Nuggets also recorded 33 defensive rebounds, gave up 8 offensive boards, and finished with 14 steals.

The Raptors come in as the underdog at +9.5, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 228 and our model has the Raptors and Nuggets finishing with a combined 214 points. Our pick is to take the under.

Raptors Look for Redemption Against Nuggets After Heartbreaking Overtime Loss

The Toronto Raptors will aim to carry momentum from Saturday’s emotional victory over the Sacramento Kings when they face the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. With memories of Vince Carter’s No. 15 retirement still fresh, Toronto is focused on avenging its recent overtime loss to Denver. In that game, the Raptors had an eight-point lead with under two minutes left in regulation, only to see the Nuggets rally to force overtime and ultimately win, thanks to Jamal Murray’s clutch layup.

Since then, Denver has found its stride, winning three of its last four games, including a dominant victory over the Utah Jazz. Now sitting on the verge of a winning record, the Nuggets face the Raptors without Murray, who entered concussion protocol after a collision in Friday’s game against Minnesota. In his absence, Russell Westbrook stepped into the starting lineup against Utah, with Julian Strawther taking on backup point guard duties. Strawther’s 19-point performance off the bench helped solidify a team that began the season with back-to-back home losses.

Denver Finding Its Rhythm Despite Challenges

Following a rocky start, the Nuggets seem to have found a rhythm and identity, with players rallying to keep morale high despite the early-season turbulence. “We’re definitely finding our identity,” Strawther said. “There’s been a lot of outside noise, but we’re doing a good job keeping things inside our walls and continuing to grow.”

With Murray unavailable, Denver will look to Westbrook for veteran leadership and offensive initiation, while Strawther will have another opportunity to support a previously struggling bench.

Raptors Battling Through Injuries and Finding New Leaders

Toronto is dealing with its share of adversity as well, with key players sidelined due to injury. Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) and Bruce Brown (knee) missed Saturday’s game, while Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture) and Kelly Olynyk (back) are expected to be out for several weeks. In response, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic has turned to emerging talents, notably second-year guard Gradey Dick, who has seized the opportunity with impressive performances.

Dick, who averaged 8.5 points last season, is now scoring at a 21-point-per-game clip in the opening stretch, including a 22-point outing against Sacramento. He’s demonstrated his growth in critical moments, like Saturday’s game, where he made a clutch defensive stop and scored a late floater in overtime to help secure the win.

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The 24th overall pick from the 2022 draft is making his mark, stepping up alongside RJ Barrett, who led the Raptors with 31 points against the Kings, and Chris Boucher, who contributed 24 points. Dick’s recent surge included a 30-point performance against Charlotte and 31 points in Friday’s loss to the Lakers.

Key Matchups and Game Dynamics

1. Raptors’ Young Core vs. Nuggets’ Veteran Presence
   With Barnes and other key players out, the Raptors will continue to lean on their young core, particularly Dick and Barrett. Toronto will need consistent production from these emerging stars, particularly in the absence of established leaders.
2. Denver’s Bench Adjustments Without Jamal Murray
   Murray’s absence shifts additional responsibilities onto Westbrook and Strawther. The Nuggets’ bench, which struggled early in the season, has shown improvement and will be pivotal in securing Denver’s offense and pace.
3. Toronto’s Defense Against Nikola Jokic
   As always, the Raptors will face a tall task defending reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, who will look to exploit Toronto’s depleted frontcourt. With his elite playmaking and scoring, limiting Jokic’s impact will be key for the Raptors if they hope to avoid another tight finish.
4. Toronto’s Motivation for Redemption
   After a frustrating loss last week, Toronto has extra motivation to finish strong. Rajakovic’s “no hiding” philosophy has encouraged his players to step up under pressure, setting the stage for what should be an intense matchup.

As both teams seek consistency, Monday’s game will test their adaptability and resilience. The Raptors are eager to redeem their close call from last week, while Denver aims to build on its newfound momentum despite the challenges of Murray’s absence.