An East vs. West showdown is heating up. Ex-champs, the Denver Nuggets are still winless after two games and looking to change that. Conversely, the Toronto Raptors, currently 1-2, are eager to build momentum. Monday’s matchup could be explosive as Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook go all out to break their slump, while RJ Barrett and Co. aim to grab another win. The Toronto side’s single win against the 76ers came on Friday, 115-107. Scottie Barnes scored 27 points, followed by Jakob Poeltl’s 19 points.

However, the Raptors’ opening game against the Cavs in Scotiabank Arena had witnessed a loss. The Canadian team was 30 points behind Donovan Mitchell and Co. by the end of the game. Anthony Edwards’ Wolves did not hold back to crush the Raptors in a 112-101 defeat. So, the pressure is on.

Meanwhile, Coach Malone and his boys are in muddy waters. The Nuggets have failed to win their first two games of the 2024/25 NBA Regular Season. Most disappointing was Nikola Jokic’s insane 41 points against the LA Clippers not turning into a victory!

The Nuggets didn’t succeed in going past the Clippers on Sunday and the Thunder before them. But now, they have an opportunity to turn the game in their favor, and well, the Denver Nuggets are quite capable of doing it. However, right before the big night, it will be crucial to analyze which side- the Raptors or the Nuggets has a slightly better advantage over the other. So, what can help us understand the basic math? Of course, the injury reports! Without further ado, let’s take a quick look at the reports of both teams.

Denver Nuggets Injury Report

This is good news for HC Michael Malone in the long term, but bad news for DaRon Holmes II’s rookie year. The center will be out for Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors. But rest assured, the 3x MVP Nikola Jokic will be there to take the lead. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are most likely opening the game for the Nuggets (as always). Coming back to Holmes, Denver’s rookie underwent surgery to repair a torn right Achilles, the team announced on Monday.

The Nuggets further revealed that they will update DaRon Holmes II’s reports at a later date. The most concerning matter here is that the 22-year-old might miss the 2024/25 season because of his injury, followed by the medical procedure. It can take up to a calendar year to fully recover from a torn Achilles. The hooper suffered the injury during the Nuggets’ 88-78 loss to the Clippers in their Summer League opener in July after scoring 11 points in 26 minutes.

Toronto Raptors Injury Report

The Dinosaurs might be in a greater dilemma for their game night against Denver. One major issue is RJ Barrett’s availability on Monday. The possibility of the SG turning up on the floor seems questionable because of his shoulder injury. Scotiabank Arena may not see its homeboy entertain. Meanwhile, Immanuel Quickley’s right pelvic contusion is adding clouds of doubt to his availability as well. At the same, Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown are ruled out because of back and knee injuries, respectively.

On the other hand, the Raptors have assigned Ja’Kobe Walter to G League’s Raptor 905 on Sunday. However, his shoulder issues have ruled him out of the game against the Nuggets.

Denver Nuggets Depth Chart

Toronto Raptors Depth Chart

With both teams battling injuries and early-season struggles, Monday’s game could prove pivotal. The Nuggets, led by Jokic and Murray, are primed to shake off their rough start and secure their first win. Meanwhile, the Raptors, despite possible absences from key players like RJ Barrett, will look to rally and hold down their home court. Each team faces the pressure to make a statement, and as both fight to gain footing, expect intensity, high stakes, and a clash to remember.