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Nuggets try to end their losing streak against Raptors
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Nuggets try to end their losing streak against Raptors

The Nuggets looked rough. Not only did they lose to the Oklahoma City Thunder – a loss that was largely excusable, but they also lost to the Los Angeles Clippers. That loss was less forgivable. Despite Nikola Jokic looking like top Dirk Nowitzki, hitting seven three-pointers and totaling 41 points, they couldn’t get over that bump. Many Nuggets fans are panicking – and I can’t blame them. The starting unit of Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic did well – at least from a statistical perspective. These five have had a net rating of +15.4 through the first two games, and while things haven’t been perfect – far from it, actually – there is at least some reason to be optimistic about them. The real problem comes with the bank.

In the 44 possessions without Nikola Jokic on the floor, the Nuggets have a net rating of -43.3. I don’t think this will continue for the entire season. That’s on a very small sample size and that would be one of the worst units ever. However, it’s clear that the Nuggets have a lot more issues to solve than people initially thought as the season progressed. Luckily, the Raptors looked about as bad as the Nuggets. They are 1-2, Scottie Barnes is averaging just 18 points on 45/12/79 splits. They’re vulnerable, but so are the Nuggets. Whoever wants it more will win.


The essence

WHO: Denver Nuggets (0-2) at Toronto Raptors (1-2)

When: 5:30 PM MDT

Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada.

How to watch/listen: Fubo, Altitude, Altitude 92.5 FM, League Pass, Jack Sparrowing It, or sneak across the border, distract the Canadian Border Patrol by singing Oh, Canada with them, and then go to Toronto and convince a friendly Canadian to take you with them to the game.

Rival blog: Raptors Republic

Injury report: DaRon Holmes II – Away (Achilles); Ja’Kobe Walter – Out (shoulder), Bruce Brown – Out (knee), Immanuel Quickley – Out (pelvis), Kelly Olynyk – Out (back), RJ Barrett – Questionable (shoulder)


The three things

What to pay attention to: The wing amalgam

The collective of Christian Braun and Julian Strawther looked good to start the season. Christian Braun has scored 13.5 points per game on 57% from the field through the first two games. Even though he has only shot 25% from 3, he has found ways to make it work. He looks much better at the rim than last season and is still playing excellent defense. Strawther, on the other hand, looked very poor defensively. However, he is averaging 7 points per game on 54/50 splits. So there is some upside for him this season. These two have been some of the most entertaining players on the Nuggets this season, so watch with them in mind.

What to remember: It’ll be fine… Probably

Only two games into the season and I’ve seen people talking about a possible play-in finish for the Nuggets. It’s understandable that people are overreacting because, quite frankly, the Nuggets looked awful. However, it is still early in the season. They integrate more people than they are used to, and in the end they have Nikola Jokic. He will win games for you. MPJ won’t shoot forever like Jusuf Nurkic, he’ll figure it out eventually. Murray had somewhat of a rebounding game against the Clippers. The Nuggets will still do well.

The thing to bet: The Nuggets are going to play basketball!

You can be sure there will be basketball played! There will be hijinx! There will be baskets! There will be shenanigans and chicanery! While Gordon or Zach would normally have a real attraction for you guys, after all, I’m not 21 yet, which is why I can’t gamble on sports in the state of Colorado! So I don’t feel like it would be right to give you any input when I couldn’t even base myself on the advice. Nikola Jokic overs are probably a safe bet? Enjoy the game.


The return of the Nuggets season also means the return of the Stiffs Night Out at #38 in Rino! Join us on November 8 to watch the Nuggets take on the Miami Heat. There will be live podcasts, awards shows, drink specials, delicious food, and the best Nuggets fans in town! Number 38 features a robust beer selection as well as plenty of other drink options. Tip-off is at 7pm and there is plenty of room for everyone, but make sure you come early to get the best seats on the terrace (weather permitting). I can’t wait to see everyone there at 3560 Chestnut Pl.