Toronto Raptors vs Denver Nuggets Picks and Predictions October 28th 2024

Raptors vs Nuggets October 28th 2024

At 7:30 ET, the Denver Nuggets (-365) will take on the Toronto Raptors (+289) in a non-conference matchup. The Nuggets are favored by 8.5 points and are 0-2 on the year, while the Raptors are 1-2. The over/under line for this game is 218.5.

This game will be played at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The game can be seen on ALT2.

Nuggets vs. Raptors Key Information

Denver fell to 0-2 on the season after a 109-104 home loss to the Clippers on Saturday. The Nuggets, who were -7.5 point favorites, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 213, falling short of the 218.5 O/U line.

A 14-0 run by the Clippers early in the game put Denver on their heels, but they battled back to take a 71-70 lead going into the 4th quarter. However, the Nuggets couldn’t hold on, as the Clippers outscored them 39-33 in the final period.

Nikola Jokić’s 41 points and 7 made threes highlighted the Nuggets’ offensive effort in their loss to the Clippers, as he shot 58.3% from deep and 53.8% overall. Jamal Murray added 22 points, hitting 3 threes at 50% efficiency, while Christian Braun contributed 11 points, all in the 3rd quarter.

As a team, Denver connected on 14 threes, shooting 40% from beyond the arc, though they managed just 40.2% from the field overall. Jokić was particularly impactful in the 4th quarter, scoring 17 points, with Murray adding 9 in the final period.

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Despite a strong defensive effort through three quarters, the Nuggets couldn’t hold off the Clippers in the 4th, giving up 39 points in a 109-104 loss. Denver allowed L.A. to shoot 48% from the field but limited their damage from beyond the arc, where the Clippers hit 12 threes at a 36% clip.

The Nuggets sent the Clippers to the line 21 times, where they converted 17 free throws. Denver finished with 27 defensive rebounds, allowing 11 offensive boards. They also recorded 13 steals and 4 blocks in the game.

Toronto dropped to 1-2 on the season following a 112-101 road loss to the Timberwolves on Saturday. The Raptors came into the game as +15 point underdogs and managed to cover the spread, losing by 11. The total points for the game were 213, falling short of the 218.5 O/U line.

Toronto got off to a rough start, as Minnesota went on an 11-0 run early, taking the score from 8-3 to 19-3. The Raptors were down 32-18 after the 1st quarter but outscored the Timberwolves 29-23 in the 4th, closing the gap after trailing 89-72 going into the final period.

Nikola Jokić hit 7 threes at 58.3%, finishing with 41 points and 9 rebounds in the Nuggets’ 109-104 loss to the Clippers. He scored 17 points in the 4th quarter, while Jamal Murray added 9 of his 22 points in the final period. Christian Braun contributed all 11 of his points in the 3rd quarter.

The Nuggets shot 40.2% from the field, but connected on 14 threes at a 40% rate. Jokić was 53.8% from the field, and Murray hit 50%, including 3 threes at 50%.

Defensively, the Raptors had strong 2nd and 4th quarters, but they allowed 33 points in the 3rd, contributing to their 112-101 loss to the Timberwolves. Toronto held Minnesota to 14 made threes on 37% shooting from deep.

The Raptors sent the Timberwolves to the line 26 times, where they made 20 free throws. Toronto grabbed 34 defensive rebounds, giving up 9 offensive boards, and added 9 steals and 4 blocks.

Coming in as the underdogs at +8.5, we have the Raptors as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 218.5, and our model predicts the Nuggets and Raptors to score a combined 264 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Nuggets Look to Rebound Against Turnover-Plagued Raptors

The Denver Nuggets aim to improve their shooting and clean up late-game execution when they face the Toronto Raptors on the road Monday night. Coming off a challenging start to the season, the Nuggets are eager to secure their first win, while the Raptors face a mounting turnover issue that has cost them games despite solid individual performances.

Nuggets Seek Consistency on Offense

Denver’s start to the season has been defined by inconsistent shooting, especially from deep. In their season opener against Oklahoma City, the Nuggets managed only 18.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc (7-for-38), and though they improved to 40 percent from three in Saturday’s 109-104 loss to the Clippers, their overall field goal percentage remained lackluster at 40.2 percent.

Nikola Jokic’s career-best seven 3-pointers highlighted Denver’s shooting potential as he tallied 41 points. But Jamal Murray stressed the need for consistent energy and defensive translation into fast-break opportunities, noting,

“It really just comes down to energy and effort… and translating those turnovers that we force into fast break points.”

Despite committing just 10 turnovers against the Clippers, Denver’s mistakes in the final quarter proved costly, with head coach Michael Malone emphasizing the need to reduce “costly turnovers that led to easy transition dunks.” He also highlighted concerns over fouling jump-shooters, indicating some repeated lack of discipline among key players.

Raptors’ Turnover Troubles Continue

The Raptors are struggling to take care of the ball, accumulating a league-high 66 turnovers over their first three games, including 20 in their recent 112-101 loss to the Timberwolves. Despite missing key players like RJ Barrett, Bruce Brown, and Kelly Olynyk due to injuries, Toronto has shown resilience, with head coach Darko Rajakovic commending their fighting spirit.

Rajakovic acknowledged, “What I really liked about our guys is that they never quit during the game… we continued fighting and we found a way to keep the game close.”

Toronto’s Gradey Dick was a bright spot, scoring a career-high 25 points on an efficient 9-of-16 shooting, while Scottie Barnes added 20 points and six assists but also contributed six turnovers. Dick’s improved shooting performance was complemented by Barnes’ playmaking ability, but Toronto’s turnover woes continue to handicap their potential.

Key Players and Matchups

• Nikola Jokic (Nuggets): Jokic continues to be a dominant force, and his ability to stretch the floor was on full display with seven 3-pointers against the Clippers. His leadership and playmaking will be crucial in capitalizing on the Raptors’ turnover issues.
• Gradey Dick (Raptors): With an impressive 25-point performance against Minnesota, Dick is finding his footing. If he can maintain this efficiency, he will provide a vital scoring option, especially with other starters out.
• Scottie Barnes (Raptors): Barnes’ court vision and playmaking have been essential for Toronto, but limiting turnovers will be key to maximizing his impact. With Jokic drawing defensive attention, Barnes will need to keep up his production while minimizing giveaways.

Game Outlook

Both teams are looking to establish better control on offense, with the Nuggets aiming to recover from back-to-back cold shooting nights and the Raptors striving to solve their turnover problem. Denver’s defense has been strong in forcing turnovers, and if they can convert these into points on the other end, they’ll have a solid chance to secure their first win.

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For Toronto, maintaining composure and executing under pressure will be crucial, especially with injuries thinning their rotation. If the Raptors can protect the ball and take advantage of Dick’s newfound scoring rhythm, they could pose a significant challenge to Denver.

This matchup pits a struggling offense against a turnover-prone team, making it a contest of who can best capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses. With both teams vying for their first win, expect an intense battle as they each seek a foothold in the early season.