The Nuggets have looked rough. Not only did they lose against the Oklahoma City Thunder – a loss that could largely be excused, but they also lost against the Los Angeles Clippers. That loss was less forgivable. Despite Nikola Jokic looking like prime Dirk Nowitzki, cashing in 7 three pointers and totaling 41 points, they couldn’t get over that bump. Many Nuggets fans have become panicked – and I can’t blame them. The starting unit of Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic has been fine – at least from the stat perspective. Those 5 have had a +15.4 net rating through the first two games, and while things haven’t been perfect – far from it really – there’s at least some reason to be optimistic about them. The real problem comes with the bench.
In the 44 possessions without Nikola Jokic on the floor, the Nuggets have a -43.3 net rating. Now, I don’t think it’ll stay at that all season long. That’s on a very small sample size and that would be among the worst units ever. However, it’s clear the Nuggets have far more issues to work out than people initially thought coming into the season. The Raptors, luckily, have looked about as bad as the Nuggets. They’re 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 Essentials
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 sneaking in through the border, distracting the Canadian border patrol by singing Oh, Canada with them, then making your way to Toronto and convincing a kind Canadian to take you with them to the game.
Rival blog: Raptors Republic
Injury Report: DaRon Holmes II – Out (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
The Thing To Watch For: The Wing Amalgam
The collective of Christian Braun and Julian Strawther have looked good to start the season. Christian Braun has put up 13.5 points per game through the first two contests on 57% from the field. While he has only shot 25% from 3, he’s found ways to make it work. He’s looked far better at the rim than he did last season, and is still playing excellent defense. Strawther, on the other hand, has looked very poor defensively. However, he is averaging 7 points per game on 54/50 splits. So, there is some upside with him this season. Those two have been some of the more entertaining players on the Nuggets this season, so watch with them in mind.
The Thing To Remember: It’ll Be Okay…Probably
It’s only two games into the season, and I’ve seen folks talking about a potential play-in finish for the Nuggets. It’s understandable that people would overreact, because the Nuggets have frankly looked awful. However, it’s early in the season. They’re integrating more people than they’re used to, and ultimately – they have Nikola Jokic. He’ll win you games. MPJ will not shoot like Jusuf Nurkic forever, he’ll catch on eventually. Murray had somewhat of a bounce back game against the Clippers. The Nuggets will still be fine.
The Thing To Bet: The Nuggets will play basketball!
You can sure bet that basketball will be played! There’ll be hijinx! There will be baskets! There will be shenanigans and chicanery! Ultimately, while usually Gordon or Zach would have an actual pull for you lot, I am not 21 yet. Therefore, in the state of Colorado, I cannot gamble on sports! So I don’t feel like it’d be right to give you any input when I couldn’t even take myself up 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 Number 38 in Rino! Come join us on November 8th to watch the Nuggets take on the Miami Heat. There will be live podcasts, prize giveaways, drink specials, great food, and the best Nuggets fans in town! Number 38 boasts a robust beer selection with plenty of other drink options as well. Tip off is at 7PM and there’s plenty of space for everyone but make sure to come early to get the best seats out on the patio (weather permitting). Can’t wait to see everyone there at 3560 Chestnut Pl.
