Nuggets Edge Raptors in Close Contest
Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 7:30 PM ET · Scotiabank Arena
Denver Nuggets 106, Toronto Raptors 103, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Denver Nuggets vs Toronto Raptors?
Denver Nuggets beat Toronto Raptors 106-103 at Scotiabank Arena on December 31, 2025.
Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs Toronto Raptors?
Toronto Raptors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The underdog won.
The Denver Nuggets secured a narrow victory over the Toronto Raptors, finishing the game with a score of 106 to 103 at Scotiabank Arena. This match marked the second meeting between the teams in the current season, with Denver now leading the series 2-0 after previously defeating the Raptors 125-127 on October 28 and 119-121 on November 5.
Both teams entered the game with varying recent forms. The Raptors had a record of 5-5 over their last ten games, with a two-game winning streak leading into this contest. They averaged 108.5 points scored and allowed 110.9 points during this stretch. In their last five games, the Raptors maintained a balanced scoring average of 111.6 points while allowing the same number of points. Their home record in this span was 2-3.
In contrast, the Nuggets had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, but were on a two-game losing streak prior to this matchup. They averaged significantly higher at 126.2 points scored and allowed 122.1 points during this period. Their last five games saw them average 131.2 points scored, while allowing 131.0 points, showcasing their offensive capabilities, although their away record was 2-3.
The Raptors faced some challenges with injuries as they had multiple players listed as day-to-day, including Nate Bittle, Alijah Martin, Chucky Hepburn, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Immanuel Quickley, all dealing with knee or hamstring issues. The Nuggets were also not without their concerns, as Aaron Gordon and Trevon Brazile were both listed as day-to-day with calf and undisclosed injuries, respectively.
In terms of betting, DraftKings set the spread at -7.5 in favor of the Raptors, with a total of 229.5 points. The money line was listed at -270 for the Raptors and +220 for the Nuggets, indicating a strong belief in the Raptors’ chances to win at home despite their recent form.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with the Raptors and Nuggets trading leads. Key moments in the fourth quarter included a series of free throws by Immanuel Quickley, which brought the Raptors within striking distance. However, the Nuggets managed to maintain their lead with crucial plays from Jamal Murray and Brandon Ingram, who contributed to the final score.
The conditions at Scotiabank Arena were typical for a mid-winter basketball game, with a lively crowd supporting the Raptors. Viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and strategy as both teams fought for every point.
In summary, the Nuggets' ability to execute under pressure and their offensive firepower ultimately led to their victory over the Raptors, who will need to regroup as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TOR -7.5 | 229.5 o -112 / u -108 | Denver Nuggets +220 · Toronto Raptors -270 |
Injury report
- Nate BittleDay-To-DayKneeToronto Raptors
- Alijah MartinDay-To-DayKneeToronto Raptors
- Chucky HepburnDay-To-DayKneeToronto Raptors
- Collin Murray-BoylesDay-To-DayFingerToronto Raptors
- Immanuel QuickleyDay-To-DayHamstringToronto Raptors
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Leaders
- PointsBrandon Ingram30Toronto Raptors
- AssistsScottie Barnes10Toronto Raptors
- ReboundsScottie Barnes14Toronto Raptors
- PointsPeyton Watson24Denver Nuggets
- AssistsJamal Murray6Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsJonas Valanciunas9Denver Nuggets
Recent form
Toronto Raptors
Last 10: 5-5Streak W2108.5 scored · 110.9 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W107-106vs Orlando MagicDec 30
- W141-127vs Golden State WarriorsDec 28
- L117-138at Washington WizardsDec 27
- W112-91at Miami HeatDec 24
- L81-96at Brooklyn NetsDec 21
- L96-112vs Boston CelticsDec 21
- W111-105at Milwaukee BucksDec 19
- W106-96at Miami HeatDec 16
- L101-117vs New York KnicksDec 10
- L113-121vs Boston CelticsDec 7
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 6-4Streak L2126.2 scored · 122.1 allowed per game2-3 away
- L123-147at Miami HeatDec 30
- L126-127at Orlando MagicDec 28
- W142-138vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 26
- L130-131at Dallas MavericksDec 24
- W135-112vs Utah JazzDec 23
- L101-115vs Houston RocketsDec 20
- W126-115vs Orlando MagicDec 19
- W128-125vs Houston RocketsDec 16
- W136-105at Sacramento KingsDec 12
- W115-106at Charlotte HornetsDec 7
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Nuggets | Toronto Raptors |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 34-80 | 37-100 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 37 |
| Three-pointers | 10-34 | 12-45 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 27 |
| Free throws | 28-34 | 17-21 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 47 | 50 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 38 | 33 |
| Assists | 17 | 27 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 20 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 46 |
| Fouls | 18 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 16 | 16 |
| Time in front | 75 | 14 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter73-72Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 27-foot running pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter74-72Jonas Valanciunas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter75-72Jonas Valanciunas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter75-74Jamal Shead makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter75-76Brandon Ingram makes two point shot (Jamal Shead assists)
- 3rd Quarter77-76DaRon Holmes II makes 1-foot dunk (Jamal Murray assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-76DaRon Holmes II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-79Brandon Ingram makes 25-foot three point jumper (Scottie Barnes assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-79DaRon Holmes II makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-79Jamal Murray makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter85-79Peyton Watson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter86-79Bruce Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-79Bruce Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-81RJ Barrett makes 1-foot layup (Scottie Barnes assists)
- 4th Quarter88-81Spencer Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-81Spencer Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-82Immanuel Quickley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-84Scottie Barnes makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter89-85RJ Barrett makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-87Jamison Battle makes 23-foot jumper (Scottie Barnes assists)
- 4th Quarter89-89Scottie Barnes makes two point shot (RJ Barrett assists)
- 4th Quarter89-91RJ Barrett makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-91Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter92-94Immanuel Quickley makes 25-foot three point jumper (RJ Barrett assists)
- 4th Quarter94-94Bruce Brown makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter95-94Jamal Murray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-94Jamal Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-95Brandon Ingram makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-95Peyton Watson makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter98-98Brandon Ingram makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jamal Shead assists)
- 4th Quarter99-98Peyton Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-98Jamal Murray makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter102-98Peyton Watson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-99Immanuel Quickley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-100Immanuel Quickley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-101Immanuel Quickley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-101Spencer Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-101Spencer Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-103Brandon Ingram makes driving dunk
- 4th Quarter106-103Jamal Murray makes layup (Bruce Brown assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Toronto Raptors, below favours Denver Nuggets.
Venue
- Scotiabank ArenaToronto, ON
- Attendance19181
- OfficialsZach Zarba, Phenizee Ransom, Robert Hussey
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