Raptors vs. Nuggets Injury Report: Five Players Out, Jakob Poeltl Questionable

The Toronto Raptors bounced back nicely from a two-game losing streak on Monday with a 125-118 win over the Los Angeles Clippers that saw a monster fourth quarter from Scottie Barnes who logged 15 points, finishing the night with 22. 

Although Toronto will continue their road trip without superstar Kawhi Leonard once again in tonight's contest against the Denver Nuggets, the 35-year-old could make his return to the starting lineup soon after undergoing treatment on his left knee to address swelling.

Still, the Raptors are also down center Nate Bittle and two-way player Malachi Smith while 31-year-old Jakob Poeltl is questionable with left shoulder bursitis. Meanwhile, Denver will be without forward Spencer Jones and guard Julian Strawther as Cameron Johnson and Alpha Diallo remain probable.

Containing Nuggets guard Jamal Murray should be the focus for Toronto given that the 29-year-old guard has led Denver with 27.3 points per game. He was electric in the Nuggets' 118-110 loss to Portland, scoring 35 points on 10-of-19 shooting and going a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line.

A task like that is where Barnes will come into play. The 25-year-old forward has been a nightmare for opposing offenses, averaging 2.1 steals and 0.7 blocks per game this season. He has collected at least two steals during the Raptors' last four games while being just as dominant whenever he has the ball in his hands. Even in their loss to the Lakers on Sunday, Barnes tallied 29 points and six rebounds.

Of course, the biggest threat the Raptors are about to face is Nikola Jokić. With Bittle already sidelined, Toronto will need Poeltl more than ever against the three-time MVP. It's inevitable that Jokić will make his buckets, but the least Toronto can do tonight is throw a bigger body at him to slow him down. If Poeltl is unable to suit up, head coach Darko Rajaković will truly have his work cut out for him.

Collin Murray-Boyles is another Raptor worth keeping an eye on. Similar to Barnes, Murray-Boyles has been a hound for the ball. In just his second season, he has averaged 9.1 points and one steal per game. His youth and athleticism will be valuable against Johnson as well as guard Christian Braun who scored 31 points against Phoenix last Friday.

RJ Barrett might have a decent night as well, coming off a 26-point performance against the Clippers in which he shot an impressive 52.6% from the field. He also made two blocks, something that's going to be important versus a humming Denver lineup.

Having Leonard back would've been what Toronto hoped for, but they have the pieces to make things interesting, especially if their stifling defense can keep Murray at bay and minimize opportunities for Jokić.