Two of the best-rounded teams in the league will duke it out for their regular season finale, so gear up for some high-energy action. This can be a brutal defensive slugfest or a fast-paced high-scoring showdown.
Catch the game this Saturday, August 15th, at 1:30 am (Manila time).
HOME TEAM: Toronto Raptors (52-19)
The Raptors enter the game riding a three-game winning streak. They are now 6-1 in the bubble after Thursday’s 125-121 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
It is possible that the stars may be rested or put in a minute restriction for Saturday, but it’s also possible for the defending champs to be eager in closing out the regular season on a high note.
Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry may also be hungry to bounce back from their dud performances in the previous meeting with the Denver Nuggets. The Raptors lost that game, 133-118, and it was the most points they’ve allowed this season – Siakam and Lowry combined for 10-for-35 shooting and eight turnovers.
Swingmen OG Anunoby and Norman Powell starred for Toronto that night, scoring 32 and 24 points, respectively. They deserve some buzz for this rematch too.
The Raptors are averaging 110 PPG since the restart.
ROAD TEAM: Denver Nuggets (46-26)
The Nuggets are fresh-off another defeat. On Thursday, they gave up 74 second-half points to the LA Clippers and lost, 124-111. It dropped them to just 3-4 in the bubble.
With the aforementioned win over the Raptors, though, the Nuggets will have confidence coming in. It was one of the most balanced scoring and efficient shooting nights they’ve had all season, as eight guys scored in double figures and the team collectively shot 50% from three (18-for-36) and 56.6% overall.
Like Toronto, Denver is also pretty deep and is able to play varying styles. After All-Star Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, there’s still a list of players that can produce big – and that’s even without injured starters Gary Harris and Will Barton.
Here’s a couple: Michael Porter is averaging 22 PPG in the bubble, Jerami Grant has scored 20 or more thrice in his last four games, Monte Morris is chipping in 13.6 PPG on 50%, and PJ Dozier just scored 18 points against the LA Lakers.
Denver is racking up 119.9 PPG on 50.4% shooting in the bubble.
PREDICTIONS:
The Nuggets have showcased their offensive abilities in the bubble really well. Unfortunately, though, they negated it by lacklustre effort on defense.
The terrible defense is costing Denver a lot, and the ever-poised Raptors attack should be able to capitalize. Look for the reigning champs to take this, 119-111.
