Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the NBA Summer League match.
The Toronto Raptors remain unbeaten in the NBA Summer League and are clearly aiming for a play-off berth. They have already secured wins over the Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic, and a third victory would virtually guarantee them a top-four finish. In contrast, the Denver Nuggets opened their campaign with two straight losses and are no longer in contention for a postseason spot. This game serves primarily as an opportunity for them to assess their depth players.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have shown flashes of potential—24-year-old Spencer Jones impressed in the match against the Minnesota Timberwolves, contributing 19 points. However, overall, they have struggled at both ends of the court. The Nuggets stayed competitive against the Milwaukee Bucks, narrowly losing 89:90, but were comprehensively outplayed by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 94:83 defeat. Perimeter defence has been a particular weakness, and the squad averages just 7.5 steals per game, placing them 25th in the tournament standings.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors present a far more coherent and disciplined unit. In their 116:72 win over the Chicago Bulls, A.J. Lawson, Jonathan Mogbo, and Jamison Battle all delivered standout performances. One of them, coming off the bench, posted 21 points with notable efficiency. The Raptors play at a fast tempo, averaging over 102.5 points per game—the second-highest in the tournament—and rank among the top three in made field goals, with an average of 35.5 per game. Defensively, they are equally impressive, conceding just 79 points per game—the best defensive record in the competition.
Denver Nuggets vs Toronto Raptors Prediction
The Toronto Raptors are expected to secure a third straight win. Their potent offence is well-positioned to exploit the defensive shortcomings of the Denver Nuggets.