The Denver Nuggets travel north of the border to face the Toronto Raptors in a New Year’s Eve interconference matchup. With Denver sitting second in the Western Conference and Toronto fourth in the East, this game could preview potential Finals contenders. However, the Nuggets face a major challenge without star Nikola Jokic due to injury, pitting their depth against Toronto’s balanced attack led by Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Expect a defensive battle, as both teams rank in the top 10 for points allowed, but Toronto’s home edge and Denver’s absence could tilt the scales.
Venue Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This 19,800-capacity venue, opened in 1999 and home to the Raptors since then, is known for its passionate crowds and modern facilities, especially during holiday games.
Tipoff is scheduled for
4:30 PM ET (1:30 PM PT). The afternoon tip-off is set for national exposure on NBA League Pass, with local broadcasts on Altitude Sports (Nuggets) and Sportsnet (Raptors).
Injury Report
Denver is severely impacted by the loss of their MVP candidate, while Toronto enters relatively healthy, giving them a significant advantage.
Denver Nuggets:
Nikola Jokic: Out (Injury/Illness – Left Knee Hyperextension; re-evaluated in four weeks)
Tamar Bates: Out (Injury/Illness – Left Foot Surgery)
Julian Strawther: Probable (Injury/Illness – Illness)
The absence of Jokic, who leads the team in points (29.6 PPG), rebounds (12.2 RPG), and assists, forces reliance on Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon for production.
Toronto Raptors:
Chucky Hepburn: Out (G League – Two-Way)
A.J. Lawson: Out (G League – Two-Way)
Jamal Shead: Out (G League – Two-Way)
Jakob Poeltl: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Lower Back Strain)
RJ Barrett: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Right Knee Sprain)
Toronto’s core, including Barnes and Ingram, is available, though Poeltl’s potential absence could affect rim protection.
Key Player Matchups
Without Jokic, Denver’s guards take center stage against Toronto’s versatile wings, potentially leading to a perimeter-focused game.
Jamal Murray (DEN) vs. Immanuel Quickley (TOR): Murray’s scoring (around 25 PPG in recent games) and playmaking face Quickley’s quickness and three-point shooting (high assists for Toronto). Murray must exploit switches, but Quickley’s defense could force turnovers.
Aaron Gordon (DEN) vs. Scottie Barnes (TOR): Gordon’s athleticism (13 PPG, strong rebounding) meets Barnes’ all-around game (20 PPG, 8 RPG, 6 APG). Barnes’ length may challenge Gordon inside, especially with Jokic out.
Michael Porter Jr. (DEN) vs. RJ Barrett (TOR, if available): Porter’s shooting (18 PPG) versus Barrett’s slashing (20 PPG). If Barrett sits, this favors Porter’s spacing.
Frontcourt Battle: Dario Saric (DEN) vs. Jakob Poeltl (TOR, if available): Saric steps up for Jokic against Poeltl’s rebounding (9 RPG). Toronto’s paint presence could dominate without Denver’s star.
Toronto’s defense (112.5 PPG allowed, 5th in league) should stifle Denver’s depleted offense.
Denver has thrived with Jokic, but his injury tests their depth; Toronto has been solid at home.
Recent Team Forms
Denver’s form takes a hit with Jokic’s injury, while Toronto has been consistent.
Denver Nuggets (Last 10 Games: 8-2)
Averaging 118.5 PPG, allowing 114.2 (+4.3 margin)
Key wins: Dominant stretches with Jokic, including blowouts over weaker teams.
Losses: Recent without Jokic exposing interior weaknesses.
Form: W-W-L-W-W (Strong overall, but 3-0 under interim adjustments; elite efficiency at 48% FG before injury).
Toronto Raptors (Last 10 Games: 5-5)
Averaging 108.5 PPG, allowing 110.4 (-1.9 margin)
Key wins: 107-106 vs. Orlando (Dec 29), defensive stands; strong home record.
Losses: Alternating results, with rebounding lapses.
Form: W-L-W-L-W (Balanced, with Barnes averaging 20+ PPG; top-5 assists at 29.3 APG).
Series History
The Nuggets lead the all-time series 36-22 in 58 regular-season games. Denver has won the last four meetings, including 118-113 on March 6, 2023, and holds a 6-4 edge in the past 10. Recent games trend under the total (3 of last 5), averaging 225 points, with Denver 4-0 straight up lately.
Betting Trends
Spread: Toronto 2-3 ATS last 5; Denver 7-3 ATS in last 10 overall.
Total Over/Under: Under in 6/10 Denver games; over in 4/5 recent H2H.
Other Trends: DEN 4-0 SU in last 4 vs. TOR; 3-2 ATS as underdogs. TOR 8-6 ATS when scoring 114+; 9-8 ATS at home. Nuggets 2-3 SU without Jokic historically.
Game Odds
Denver Nuggets 227.5
Toronto Raptors – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025
