While the Toronto Raptors did pick up a win against the Charlotte Hornets in their last game, the victory came after trailing for most of the game against a team with myriad injuries. The reigning champion Denver Nuggets and two-time MVP Nikola Jokic coming to town won't make things easier.
With the Raptors currently struggling to get some consistent production from their starting lineup, Denver is a well-oiled machine with a role player who can exploit any flaw a team has to offer. Even with some minor injuries, the Nuggets remain one of the best teams in the league.
Will the Raptors continue their unusual success against Western Conference contenders like the Timberwolves and Mavericks? Will the Nuggets be able to pull out a road win against a Raptors team that is playing with a razor-thin margin for error?
Christian Koloko Injury Status for tonight’s Raptors vs. Nuggets game
Koloko remains the only player on the Raptors' injury report, as he is still trying to work his way back froma respiratory illness that has sidelined him all year long. While he has progressed to on-court work, his status remains extremely vague.
Aaron Gordon Injury Status for tonight’s Raptors vs. Nuggets game
Gordon is listed as probable in this game despite a foot problem that has landed him on the injury report multiple times. Gordon's ability to score in the paint alongside Jokic will test just how effective Jakob Poeltl and the rest of the frontcourt will be on the interior.
Projected Starting Lineups Tonight
Toronto
PG Dennis Schroder
SG OG Anunoby
SF Scottie Barnes
PF Pascal Siakam
C Jakob Poeltl
Denver
PG Jamal Murray
SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF Michael Porter Jr.
PF Aaron Gordon
C Nikola Jokic
Toronto Raptors next five opponents
The Raptors' schedule includes games against both some of the worst teams in the league in Utah, Washington, and Detroit as well as two of the game's best in division rivals like Philadelphia and Boston.
Dec. 22 @ Philadelphia 76ers
Dec. 23 vs. Utah Jazz
Dec. 27 @ Washington Wizards
Dec. 29 @ Boston Celtics
Dec. 30 @ Detroit Pistons
Raptors injury report
Christian Koloko-OUT-Respiratory condition
Nuggets injury report
Vlatko Cancar-OUT-Knee
Jay Huff-OUT-Ribs
Aaron Gordon-PROBABLE-Foot