The Denver Nuggets face a challenging period as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the Toronto Raptors. The team will be without their star player Nikola Jokic for at least four weeks due to a knee injury sustained in the recent game against the Miami Heat. This significant absence leaves the Nuggets missing four of their starting players, complicating their situation heading into the New Year’s Eve game.
Nuggets vs. Raptors: Game Preview
On Wednesday, the Nuggets will compete as 6.5-point underdogs against the Raptors, a team currently holding the fourth position in the Eastern Conference with a recent record of 5-5 over their last ten games. While Toronto has struggled after a strong start, they are favored to secure a victory against a severely short-handed Denver roster.
Injury Impacts
With Jokic’s absence, the Nuggets are heavily reliant on Jamal Murray, the only healthy starter on their roster. This season, Murray has averaged 7.0 assists per game, a number anticipated to rise significantly without the league’s leading assist provider out of the lineup. In December alone, he has been averaging 7.5 assists per game.
Current Performance Statistics
- Nuggets’ performance with Jokic: +11.9 points per 100 possessions.
- Nuggets’ performance without Jokic: -5.4 points per 100 possessions.
- Toronto Raptors’ home record: 10-7.
- Defensive rating of Raptors: 7th in the league this season.
The Denver team’s struggles were evident in their recent loss to Miami after Jokic left the game. Furthermore, they are also missing key players, including Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, and Christian Braun, adding to their challenges on the court.
Player Prop Bets
In the context of NBA prop bets, Jamal Murray stands out as a key player to watch. Given the increased responsibility on him, many analysts suggest he may be undervalued as a playmaker. His recent ability to collect double-digit assists in several games makes him an appealing choice for bettors.
Betting Odds and Prediction
As the game approaches, the prediction leans towards the Raptors covering the spread at -6.5. This situation presents a favorable opportunity for Toronto, especially with the current state of the Nuggets’ roster.
Keep in mind that odds are subject to change, and it is advisable to check frequently as the game nears.
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