Game 7 : Toronto Raptors (2-5) @ Denver Nuggets (3-3)

[THE J0KER]

It's a great opportunity for the restart of the new season and to go over .500 finally.
Denver playing without Murray but Toronto's best player Barnes is out too.

[NuggetsWY]

Some are concerned about Jokic playing 37+ mpg, but I'm not overly concerned about that. He looks fine and I think he can sustain.
Gordon is busy having what might be his best season ever.
Porter is playing about the same as his normal.
Braun is working out nicely as a starter IMO.
I actually like Westbrook (although I prefer Murray). Westbrook will pass and rebound and play defense.

So why do I have a queasy feeling about this game? Oh yeah, the bench.

[skywalker33]

Some are concerned about Jokic playing 37+ mpg, but I'm not overly concerned about that. He looks fine and I think he can sustain.

First, Welcome Back, good to see you posting again ! I am one who is concerned about his mpg, but as of this point of the season, I too am OK with this. However, we will need to find some rest for him as well as the rest of the starters to give them rest before the playoffs start.

Gordon is busy having what might be his best season ever.
Porter is playing about the same as his normal.
Braun is working out nicely as a starter IMO.
I actually like Westbrook (although I prefer Murray). Westbrook will pass and rebound and play defense.

Agree here too, but feels like MPJ needs to step up to the next level, just as AG has. Braun has also stepped up, liking what I'm seeing from him. KCP who ??

Westbrook and Murray are a huge concern, WB with his lack of shooting, yet is still a bit of a playmaker, so if the rest of the starter step up consistently, this could work out in the short-term. Murray is the biggest concern for me (along with the bench), he just hasn't looked right since last last regular season. Him getting to sign his big extension really exasperates the whole situation (whatever happened to that Amnesty Rule when you need it ?) but he has looked a bit better prior to the thug-like Ant/Randle incident, this ones what I will be watching.

So why do I have a queasy feeling about this game? Oh yeah, the bench.

BIG RED FLAG here ! Still think Peyton Watson has a chance to come around, scoring needs to come around sooner-than-later on a consistent basis. Strawther is settling in but Saric doesn't even look like an NBA player anymore. With Murray on the mend, I'd love to give Trey Alexander a few more mins, saw some potential in SL that could come around. And since we have an investment in him, I'd really like to see Nnaji again. I know Malone doesn't trust him, seems I might be wrong about that supposed rift between Malone and the FO, looks like there could be a gap in philosophies.

[THE J0KER]

Another convincing "never in doubt" win against Toronto

This time we did not even risk a double-digit Raptors lead 2 minutes before the end, the last time they had a double-digit lead was 6 minutes left.

From Toronto OT, we knew that the Raptors would miss the buzzer-three for a win, so this win was without drama.

Our bench trio Westbrook-Watson-STR finally has a great game all-together, but after AG's early injury, they actually played most of the minutes with Jokic around. We need them this good as a real 2nd unit, but this game is a big improvement.

[NuggetsWY]

Some are concerned about Jokic playing 37+ mpg, but I'm not overly concerned about that. He looks fine and I think he can sustain.

First, Welcome Back, good to see you posting again ! I am one who is concerned about his mpg, but as of this point of the season, I too am OK with this. However, we will need to find some rest for him as well as the rest of the starters to give them rest before the playoffs start.

Thanks