"Coming off back-to-back clutch wins against the Golden State Warriors and the Orlando Magic, the Toronto Raptors are looking to end the year with a bang by defeating the Denver Nuggets. A task that has become significantly easier in the last 24 hours as Nikola Jokić hyperextended his knee against the Miami Heat, and will miss at least the next four weeks."
"The Raptors have been up-and-down all season, but are currently riding a two game win-streak and hope to take the winning into the new year. RJ Barrett will be active for this one, a very good thing considering how the offense has managed without him. Barrett's ability to attack the rim will make a difference as Denver allows the 2nd highest rim accuracy in the league. Though the team actually does better guarding the rim when Jokić sits."
"The absence of Jokić and Aaron Gordon bodes well for Scottie Barnes, who has done an excellent job taking advantage of smaller front courts. Barnes will instead be matched up against the likes of Peyton Watson or Spencer Jones. Defensively, Barnes will also be able to roam far more as there are less offensive threats to worry about, a role that he excels in."
Toronto enters the matchup on a two-game win streak and seeks to finish the year strong against Denver. Nikola Jokić hyperextended his knee and will miss at least four weeks, and Aaron Gordon is also absent, leaving Jamal Murray as the only remaining starter. RJ Barrett will be active, providing rim attack against Denver's high opponent rim accuracy. Scottie Barnes benefits from smaller front courts, can roam defensively, and may face Peyton Watson or Spencer Jones. Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead could see extended minutes or start to help defend Murray. Denver's top offensive rating is undermined by recent injuries.
Read at Raptors Republic
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