The Denver Nuggets head to the Great White North on New Year's Eve to face the Toronto Raptors.
Denver will be without superstar center Nikola Jokic for at least a month, and my Nuggets vs. Raptors predictions expect the home side to take full advantage.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this clash on December 31.
Nuggets vs Raptors prediction
Nuggets vs Raptors best bet: Raptors -6.5 (-110)
The Denver Nuggets will be without Nikola Jokic for the next four weeks due to a hyperextended knee. Jokic is having arguably the greatest offensive season in NBA history, and his impact on this team is incredible.
The Nuggets have a net rating of +11.9 when Jokic is on the floor, with that number plummeting to -5.4 when he’s off the floor. And it isn't just Joker who is sidelined for Denver, with three other starters in Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, and Christian Braun also out with injuries.
The Nuggets fell apart without their superstar center on Monday, with Miami outscoring them by 24 points in the second half after Jokic exited the game.
The Toronto Raptors are third in the league in defensive rating over the last two months, boasting a 19-10 record during that span.
Toronto's offense struggled without RJ Barrett (18.9 ppg) who missed 15 games. However, Barrett returned to the lineup on Sunday and logged 24 minutes. He was given the night off Monday and should be well-rested for today.
With Barrett in the lineup alongside Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, the Raptors have looked like one of the best teams in the East. Expect them to hammer a Denver squad without Jokic and three other starters.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Nuggets vs Raptors same-game parlay
Toronto will also be without their own starting center, Jakob Poeltl, who is dealing with a back injury. That has led to an uptick in playing time for Sandro Mamukelashvili, who has stepped into the starting lineup.
The 6-foot-9, 240-pound big has scored 13+ points in six of his last seven games. In the only contest during that span where he went below 12.5 points, Poeltl started the game.
With Jokic sidelined, Jamal Murray's usage should ramp up. That said, books are overestimating just how many dimes Murray will drop against the Raps, who have a strong defense and play at a slow pace — especially since he'll be passing to a mediocre group of shot-makers.
Nuggets vs Raptors SGP
- Raptors -6.5
- Sandro Mamukelashvili Over 12.5 points
- Jamal Murray Under 7.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Shooters shoot
While I don't think Jamal Murray will go Over his assists total, there's a decent chance he eclipses his points total based on a surge in shooting volume.
Nuggets vs Raptors SGP
- Raptors -6.5
- Sandro Mamukelashvili Over 12.5 points
- Jamal Murray Under 7.5 assists
- Jamal Murray Over 28.5 points
Nuggets vs Raptors odds
- Spread: Nuggets +6.5 | Raptors -6.5
- Moneyline: Nuggets +210 | Raptors -260
- Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229
Nuggets vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Raptors are 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings between these teams. Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Raptors.
How to watch Nuggets vs Raptors
| Location | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| Date | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ALT2, Sportsnet |
Nuggets vs Raptors latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
