• Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors Preview - Kenneth Faried

Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors Preview - Kenneth Faried (Photo : Eric Francis/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Toronto Raptors look to bounce back from a heartbreaking defeat three nights ago, as they play host to Denver Nuggets Monday 7:30 p.m US EST at Air Canada Center in Toronto, Canada.

Preview:

Still licking their wounds after falling short to the Cleveland Cavaliers 94-91 in their Eastern Conference finals rematch last Thursday, the Raptors are out to put their record above .500.

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They will be facing a Nuggets team, which is just coming off a tough 115-113 overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. Like the Raps, the Nuggets opened their season on a rousing start with a 107-102 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Through the first two games, the Nuggets are scoring an average of 110 points per game while allowing 108.5 points. The Raptors, on the other hand, are much better defensive team by limiting opponents to just 92.5 points while putting in 100 points per contest.

Players to Watch:

Raptors Starting Lineup: Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, DeMarre Carroll, Pascal Siakam and Jonas Valanciunas

As expected, the Raptors dynamic duo of Lowry and DeRozan are still their main source of points through the first two games. DeRozan, in particular, put up 40 points in the season-opening win over Detroit, and then followed it up with 32 against the Cavs. Against the Nuggets, he's expected once again to carry the heavy load of the Raptors' offense.

Nuggets Starting Lineup: Emmanuel Mudiay, Will Barton, Danilo Gallinari, Nikola Jokic, and Jusuf Nurkic

As for the Nuggets, Barton has emerged as their leading scorer, averaging 19 points through the first two contests. All eyes will also be on Denver's twin towers Jokic and Nurkic, who have been dominant in the interior so far.

Prediction:

Raptors assert their running-game in the second half to blow by the Nuggets 102-90. Top Player: Lowry with 22 points, 7 assists

Live Stream & Highlights:

Watch the game on NBA League Pass (Free Trial), tune in for the highlights and boxscore after the game.