The Toronto Raptors had a perfect opportunity to take home a very impressive road win against the Denver Nuggets, but some very poor officiating managed to rob them of that golden opportunity. The team appeared to spiral out of control after that loss.
Toronto lost consecutive tough games against both Los Angeles-based teams, one of which was due to some questionable refereeing that got Fred VanVleet hot under the collar and the other of which came as a result of some laughable bench play from Toronto.
Playing Denver at home may not offer them much more reprieve, as Nikola Jokic is still playing like an MVP despite some iffy results in the last few games. Denver may be looking at Toronto as a potential bounce-back game, sadly.
Is Fred VanVleet playing vs. Nuggets?
VanVleet is healthy and ready to go against Denver, and he will be needed if the team wants any shot of being in this game. He’s been an improved passer lately, but his efficiency comes and goes.
Fred VanVleet came up clutch in the Raptors' OT win over the Wizards 🔥
— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) March 5, 2023
(via @TSN_Sports) pic.twitter.com/1TuhtWRaSm
Is Nikola Jokic playing vs. Raptors?
Jokic appears all good to go against Toronto. Poeltl and the Raptors did a fairly solid job defending him in the last game, which should go to show the impact that Jakob Poeltl is having on this team.
Full Raptors injury report vs. Nuggets:
VanVleet being healthy means that the only players who will be out for Toronto in this game will be Otto Porter Jr, who is out for the season due to a foot problem, and potentially Dalano Banton.
Full Nuggets injury report vs. Raptors:
Jamal Murray is listed as questionable, meaning he may not be available for his Canadian homecoming. Former Villanova star Collin Gillespie is out with a leg ailment, and backup big man Zeke Nnaji will not be reevaluated until two more weeks.
Raptors upcoming schedule and opponents:
Toronto will face off against two more Northwest teams in the Thunder and Timberwolves before a date with the Milwaukee Bucks.
March 16 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
March 18 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
March 19 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
March 22 vs. Indiana Pacers