The Toronto Raptors were only a few points short of making the Summer League playoffs (or a missed buzzer-beating triple from the Boston Celtics). So instead, they’ll face the Denver Nuggets tonight in their consolation game.
The Raptors have been exceptionally fun. Allen Graves, especially, has been on fire. For the Nuggets, Trevon Brazile has been quite solid, shooting the lights out for a big. The Raptors will be favoured, but the Nuggets have some NBA talent on their team, too.
Raptors Outlook
Record: 3-1
Graves has in many ways been the perfect version of himself in Summer League. His jumper has been extremely accurate, and he’s even been getting some quicker releases towards the latter part of Summer League. He had a movement triple and a jab-step triple in Toronto’s win over the Miami Heat in their previous contest. At the same time, he has been initiating sets and diming up teammates as a pick-and-roll coordinator. His handle hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been better than advertised, and he’s still limited turnovers very well, just as he did in college. His finishing has been somewhat limited, which isn’t a surprise based on his reliance on touch and the transition to larger, faster players in Summer League versus college.
And defensively, Graves has been a monster. He’s stepped out on players and really bothered them. He’s protected the rim with swipe downs or just blocks above the rim. His rebounding has been excellent.
He should be ready to step into an actual role on the Raptors on Day 1. That’s a big win for the Raptors at pick 19.
Nuggets Outlook
Record: 2-2
The Nuggets have played bully ball in Summer League. They’ve attempted the second-most shots per game of any team to this point, and they smash the offensive glass. While the Raptors have incredible shot blocking from Bittle and Sharp, they don’t have elite defensive rebounding. The Nuggets’ physicality in the paint could go a long way to giving them a chance. But the Raptors are the superior team.
Game Info
Tip-Off: 6:30 p.m. ET
Television: NBA TV Canada
Venue: Pavilion, Las Vegas
Rosters
Toronto Raptors
Denver Nuggets
Injury Report
Toronto Raptors
Collin Murray-Boyles – Questionable (Finger Sprain), though I’m really not expecting him to play.
Alijah Martin – Questionable (Knee), though I’m really not expecting him to play.
Chucky Hepburn – Questionable (Knee), though I’m really not expecting him to play.
Denver Nuggets
None to report that I can tell, Summer League is unclear on that this early though.