The Toronto Raptors (20-4) and their great offense welcome the Denver Nuggets (15-7) and their stifling defense. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, December 3, 2018, and will air on Altitude Sports & Entertainmnt.
Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors ATS Odds
The Nuggets barely escaped the Portland Trail Blazers in their last game, 113-112, despite being 2-point underdogs. The Raptors, on the other hand, defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers,106-95, but were unable to cover as 12-point favorites. The Denver game went 11 points over the projected point total of 214, while the Toronto game went 12 points under the projected point total of 213.
The Nuggets had 11 steals and had a free throw rate of 0.218 (above their season average of 0.181). Meanwhile, Toronto played a nearly perfect game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.531 (below their season average of 0.560) and a free throw rate of 0.263 (above their season average of 0.192). For those same stats, Cleveland put up marks of 0.415 and 0.250, respectively. Kawhi Leonard played well for Toronto, contributing 34 points and nine rebounds. Denver was lifted by Paul Millsap, who contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Raptors won the last contest 114-110. The Raptors’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Nuggets. Toronto had a rate of 8.6, while Denver posted a mark of 10.4. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Of the Nuggets’ 22 games, 14 have gone under the projected point total. Denver comes into the contest with records of 15-7 straight up (SU) and 13-9 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Denver, Raptors games have typically finished over the O/U total (66.7 percent). Moreover, Toronto is 20-4 SU and 12-12 ATS.
This showdown pits one of the NBA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Toronto ranks second in offensive efficiency and Denver ranks fourth in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Nuggets, who rank second in offensive rebounding percentage (27.5 percent), will face off against the Raptors, who rank 24th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.2 percent).
Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Raptors rank 7 in points off turnovers per game (18.875) while the Nuggets rank 14 in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.954545454545453).
- Toronto ranks third in fast break points per game (18.8) while Denver ranks 15th (13.0).
- The Nuggets rank fourth in assists per game (26.5) while the Raptors rank 14th in assists allowed per game (23.8).
- Toronto blocks 5.5 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 14th in the league. Denver ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (5.8).
- Denver ranks 1 in rebounds allowed per game (41.59090909090909) while Toronto ranks 9 (43.5).
- The Raptors rank sixth in points in the paint per game (52.6) while the Nuggets rank 17th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.7).
- The Raptors average 33.416666666666664 three pointers per game, which ranks 8 in the league. The Nuggets rank 16 in three pointers allowed per game (31).
- Toronto averages 8.041666666666666 steals per game, which ranks 12 in the NBA. Denver ranks 15 in steals allowed per game (7.636363636363637).
- Denver averages 15.5 second chance points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Toronto ranks 15th in second chance points allowed per game (13.5).
- In games where they allow under 100 points, Toronto is 4-0 and Denver is 9-1.
- When reaching the century mark, the Nuggets are 15-4 and the Raptors are 19-4.
- Denver is 5-5 ATS on the road, while Toronto is 5-7 ATS at home.
- The Nuggets have 7 unders and 3 overs in 10 road games.
- The Raptors have 10 overs and 2 unders in 12 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Nuggets are 5-0 ATS over their last five games, while the Raptors are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Denver has 4 unders and 1 over, while Toronto has 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Nuggets\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.4, up from 7.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Raptors have scored an average of 121.8 points per game (4.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 111.8 points per game (3.4 above their season average).
