Nuggets rest Michael Porter Jr. in season finale vs. Raptors

Porter has emerged as perhaps the top rookie during the season restart, averaging 22 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and one steal.

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With the postseason set to begin on Monday, the Denver Nuggets opted to rest rookie Michael Porter Jr. during the regular-season finale on Friday against the Toronto Raptors.

Porter emerged as perhaps the top rookie during the season restart, averaging 22 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and one steal in seven games. His scoring took a considerable jump during the restart after he scored a career-high 37 points on Aug. 3 and followed that up with 30 points the next game.

Porter started each game played at the Wide World of Sports Complex, an indication that he could start when the Nuggets begin the first round on Monday against the Utah Jazz. The Nuggets faced the Jazz in the restart and Porter had 23 points and 11 rebounds in that matchup on Aug. 8.

After dealing with several injuries, the emergence of Porter has likely been a welcomed sign for the Nuggets. The team took a risk by drafting him in the first round based on his injury history but he is beginning to show why he was previously ranked the top high school prospect in the country.

The Nuggets tip-off vs. the Jazz on Monday at 1:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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