Raptors vs. Nuggets Game Thread: Pre-game updates, TV info, and more

The Raptors are in what is for them something of a swoon. That’s a convoluted way of saying, ehhhhhh, they’ve lost a few games lately. Most recently, they’re coming off a game against the Clippers in which they had an 18 point lead early on, and somehow managed to lose by 11. That’s quite a swing.

Nevertheless! The Raptors are still 54-20, a lock for first place in the East, and currently barrelling towards the playoffs with, if not momentum, at least a sense of purpose. You read that implication right: the Raps are looking ahead, and believe they can make the Finals — which means everything in the moment is merely leading up to and building towards that potential future. This is a convoluted way of saying the Denver Nuggets are in town tonight, which doesn’t mean a whole hell of a lot.

Except, naturally, we want the Raptors to win. The Nuggets are just the kind of team to test Toronto in this current moment. They’ve got a load down low in Nikola Jokic, a relatively young and deep team (even minus Gary Harris tonight), and of course they’ve got the extremely confident Canadian, Jamal Murray.

Before the game, coach Dwane Casey spoke of Murray as an unfinished product — which is true; he hasn’t proven himself as a point guard yet — but also with a certain reverence. Casey (and by extension, presumably, Toronto) knows that Murray can light it up. So now, let’s watch and see what happens.

For the full preview on tonight’s Raptors-Nuggets game, watch Mitch Orsatti cook here.

Where to Watch:

TSN 1/4, 7:30pm EST

Lineups:

Toronto — Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka, Jonas Valanciunas

Denver — Jamal Murray, Will Barton, Wilson Chandler, Paul Millsap, Nikola Jokic

Injuries:

Toronto — None

Denver — Gary Harris (knee), Tyler Lydon (knee)