The Denver Nuggets (26-17) visit the Toronto Raptors (17-26) at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip. Below, we analyze the Nuggets-Raptors odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
The Raptors enter on a nine-game losing skid which was extended by a 117-99 loss to the lowly Houston Rockets Monday. Toronto has dropped to 11th in the Eastern Conference and is expected to be busy at Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline.
The Nuggets enter Wednesday’s cross-conference tilt fifth in the Western Conference standings. They’ve won five of seven games since the All-Star break, including a comfy 110-99 road win over the Orlando Magic Tuesday.
This is the first meeting of the season between the two. They’re scheduled to play in Denver April 29.
Nuggets at Raptors: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Nuggets -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Raptors +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Against the spread/ATS: Nuggets -1.5 (-110) | Raptors +1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 223.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Nuggets at Raptors: Key injuries
Nuggets
- PG Monte Morris (quadriceps) questionable
- SG Gary Harris (groin) out
Raptors
- None
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Nuggets at Raptors: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Raptors 111, Nuggets 108
Money line (ML)
The RAPTORS (+105) bottomed out with their loss to the Rockets and can make a statement against a Nuggets team playing the second half of a back-to-back.
Amid reported disputes between head coach Nick Nurse and star PF Pascal Siakam, the Raptors should rally in what may be the final game for PG Kyle Lowry and SG Norman Powell, and possibly others. While SF Kawhi Leonard, PF Serge Ibaka and C Marc Gasol are gone, this is largely the same core that won the 2018-19 championship and they’ll have one last hurrah.
Furthermore, this line feels like a trap. The Nuggets are laying just 1.5 points despite having nine more wins than the Raptors. Travel won’t be an issue coming from Orlando to Tampa for their second game in two nights.
Back the RAPTORS (+105) for what is just a slight upset.
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Against the spread (ATS)
This is largely a narrative game based on the Raptors’ lengthy slide and their expected activity at Thursday’s deadline but Toronto was also a .500 team before the skid that started with three starters and several bench players on the COVID-19 list.
Bet the RAPTORS +1.5 (-110) with a point of insurance in the event of a loss.
Over/Under (O/U)
Bet the UNDER 223.5 (-105) while expecting the Raptors’ best defensive effort in what’s likely to be the last stand for the championship core.
If Denver is to pull through with the victory, it will be largely due to an eighth-ranked 3-point defense so the Under can also serve as a hedge to our above two picks of the Raps.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
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Also see:
- Raptors makeover coming? (Hoops Hype)
- MVP race (Hoops Hype)
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