And just like that, the Nuggets are on a three-game winning streak. Denver can sweep this four-game homestand with a win over the Raptors on Thursday night.
Let’s take a deep dive into the different markets out there for Colorado sports bettors in our Raptors vs. Nuggets betting preview, complete with the best odds, picks, and predictions.
Raptors vs. Nuggets Betting Preview
The Nuggets have been excellent at beating up on lesser opponents this year. Knocking out the Raptors would be a continuation of this trend. The Raptors are on the fringes of the play-in tournament in the Eastern Conference while the Nuggets are looking to make a run at the NBA Finals.
Even without Jamal Murray, the Nuggets should have enough firepower to overcome Toronto. This game kicks off a four-game Western Conference road trip against the Nuggets, Jazz, Clippers, and Lakers. The Raptors will have to play four of the top five teams in the Western Conference. That’s a brutal stretch for a team that has lacked consistency all season long.
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Raptors vs. Nuggets Odds
Game lines courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado:
- Spread: Nuggets -3 (-112) // Raptors +3 (-109)
- Moneyline: Nuggets -143 // Raptors +123
- Total: Over 220.5 (-112) // Under 220.5 (-109)
Bets We Like With A Nuggets Win
Nuggets -1.5 First Half Spread (-106)
We love the idea of taking the Nuggets on the first half spread here. Denver tends to come out of the gates fast this year and we expect that trend to continue at home against the Raptors. With the spread set to a reasonable 1.5, taking the Nuggets makes total sense here.
The Raptors have inserted Khem Birch into the opening lineup to positive results, but it’s hard to see anyone on that roster slowing down Nikola Jokic in this game.
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Bets We Like With A Raptors Win
Fred VanVleet Over 19.5 Points (-105)
The Raptors have a few different guys who can lead the way when it comes to scoring. Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, and OG Anunoby are just a few of the options they have on that first unit. However, we like the idea of Fred VanVleet taking on the burden as the top offensive option on Thursday.
VanVleet has struggled to shoot the ball over his last two games. He’s shooting 7-for-27 from the field during that span, but we expect him to bounce back against Denver on Thursday night.
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Raptors vs. Nuggets Prediction, Pick
These aren’t the Raptors that we are used to seeing. Instead of being one of the toughest teams in the Eastern Conference, they are one of the more inconsistent squads in the NBA. With Denver playing well lately and at home, we can’t see any way to bet on the Raptors. Take the Nuggets laying the points in the first half and for the entire game.
Pick: Nuggets -1.5 first half and -3 full game
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