With some worrying early signs brewing, the Denver Nuggets are still looking for their first win of the season when they visit the Toronto Raptors tonight.

Denver's shaky supporting cast is quickly becoming a storyline after an 0-2 start, but my Nuggets vs. Raptors predictions point to a backlash from the visitors, with Nikola Jokic one in my top NBA picks for this game on October 28th plays a big role.

Raptors vs Nuggets prediction

My best choice
Nuggets -7.5 (-120 at PointsBet Canada)

My analysis

The Denver Nuggets arrive at Scotiabank Arena with a clear talent advantage over the resurgent Toronto Raptors and, just as importantly, there is a real urgency for Denver to jumpstart the season.

This is a formula that helps visitors take off. I expect a ruthless, focused performance from the Nuggets and will call on them to cover that spread against a Toronto team that is clearly prioritizing player development.

The biggest question mark for Denver is bench production. The Russell Westbrook gamble is off to a rocky start and Michael Malone has had no choice but to give minutes to unproven reserves so far this year.

The good news for the Nuggets tonight is that Toronto is experimenting with a rookie-filled second unit and likely won't exploit the Raptors' Denver bench like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers did last week.

With Nikola Jokic scoring a career-best 41 points against the Clippers, including a career-best seven 3-pointers, and Jamal Murray looking more like himself with a 22-point effort, I expect the visitors to have one have a quick start.

Denver should also be well-positioned to take advantage of a high-turnover Toronto rotation (46 turnovers in the last two games) that is missing Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown and will likely be without Immanuel Quickley again tonight.

The Nuggets have won five of the last seven meetings between these teams and I'm betting on a comfortable away win here.

Raptors vs. Nuggets – Same Game Parlay (SGP)

Nuggets -7.5

Nikola Jokic Over 8.5 assists

Scottie Barnes Under 20.5 points

I'm doubling down on an efficient night for Denver's offense by adding the over on Jokic's assists for my SGP.

It's too much to ask Jakob Poeltl or Chris Boucher to guard Jokic directly, so it's inevitable that the Raptors will have to send double teams when Joker is on the block – and that should open prospects for the team's best shooter, Murray and, mean Michael Porter Jr.

Jokic scored 13 dimes in the season opener and the stage is set for another double-digit assist night even as the second unit's strikeouts continue. Also, I don't expect a repeat of the 26 field goal attempts that Joker made on Saturday.

I also grab a Scottie Barnes prop. Barnes was given the key to Toronto's offense, but he seemed too passive at times in the first week, when the Raptors needed him to fill the void created by injuries to Quickley and RJ Barrett.

Despite his ability to force his way to the rim against most wing defenders, Barnes has scored 20 points or fewer in two of his three games so far, including a nine-point loss in the season opener.

That leads me to the under here with his points gain. Barnes faces a tough matchup against Aaron Gordon, and Barrett's possible return from a shoulder problem could also require him to take a few touches.

There is also the risk of a defeat in this clash, which could have a negative impact on Barnes' playing minutes.

Learn how to place a bet in the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Raptors vs Nuggets odds

Raptors vs Nuggets live odds

Get the latest Raptors vs. Nuggets NBA odds.

Raptors vs. Nuggets opening odds

• Spread: Toronto +7.5 | Denver -7.5
• Money line: Toronto +277 | Denver -325
• Over/Under: Over 219.5 | Below 219.5

Raptors vs. Nuggets spread and over/under analysis

• The Raptors are significant underdogs at home tonight and have lost six of their last seven games dating back to last season.
• This is the Nuggets' first away game of the new season, and they were on the road 24/7 in the 2023-24 season.
• Denver won 113-104 in Toronto last year and saw the underside win money, but the upper hand is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between these teams.
• Even with Jokic's elite playmaking, the 4Q Under is 52-34 in the Nuggets' last 86 games.

Raptors vs Nuggets trend

Despite the Raptors' inconsistent offense, the over has been a winning ticket in each of their last seven home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Nuggets.

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