Nuggets Eye Top Seed vs Injury-Plagued Raptors

The Denver Nuggets are looking to wrap up their four-game homestand on a high note as they host the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. With a win, the Nuggets can move one step closer to clinching the top seed in the Western Conference, currently sitting just one game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.

For the Nuggets, the injury report is relatively light, with only Vlatko Čančar (left knee surgery), Braxton Key (G League two-way assignment), Jalen Pickett (G League assignment), and Hunter Tyson (G League assignment) listed as out.

On the other hand, the Raptors have been hit hard by injuries and trades this season. After dealing away franchise cornerstones OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam at the trade deadline, signaling a rebuild, Toronto has struggled to find consistency.

The Raptors will be without Scottie Barnes, their first-time All-Star this season, who suffered a left hand fracture on March 1st against the Golden State Warriors. Additionally, they have a lengthy injury report, with RJ Barrett, Chris Boucher, Bruce Brown, D.J. Carton, and Jakob Poeltl all listed as questionable or out for Monday’s game.

For Denver, this matchup will mark their first encounter with former Nugget Bruce Brown since he signed with Indiana last summer. Brown was subsequently traded to Toronto in the Siakam deal and will make his return to Ball Arena as an opponent.

The Nuggets have been one of the best teams in the league this season, led by the dynamic duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. With a healthy roster and home-court advantage, they will be heavily favored against the depleted Raptors squad.

However, Toronto has shown resilience throughout the season, and their young talent, such as Precious Achiuwa and Gary Trent Jr., could pose a challenge for Denver. It will be interesting to see how the Raptors respond to their new reality without their former stars.

For the Nuggets, a win would not only bring them closer to securing the top seed but also maintain their momentum heading into the playoffs. As the postseason nears, Denver will look to stay focused and capitalize on their home-court advantage against a Toronto team in transition.

Regardless of the outcome, this matchup promises to be an intriguing battle, with the Nuggets eyeing the top seed and the Raptors looking to build for the future.