Stephen Nover's NBA Monday Destroyer
(NBA) Toronto vs. San Antonio, 10/23/2017 4:30 PM, Score: 97 - 101
Money Line: -149.00 San Antonio (Home)
Result: Win
San Antonio has defeated Toronto eight consecutive times at home, including 110-82 last season.

Yes, Kawhi Leonard remains out. But Toronto also has a key injury as its best big man, Jonas Valanciunas, won't play because of a sprained ankle.

The Raptors are 2-0. Those victories have come against a pair of winless teams, the Bulls and 76ers. This is a huge step up for the Raptors. It's also their first road game.

The Spurs have a history of playing to the level of their competition. They showed this by knocking off the much-improved Timberwolves in their opener. The Spurs then defeated the Bulls, 87-77, on Saturday.

San Antonio is playing outstanding defense holding the Timberwolves to 43.5 percent shooting from the floor and the Bulls to 37.8 percent. LaMarcus Aldridge has thrived in Leonard's absence averaging 26.5 points and 10 rebounds.

Toronto's bench isn't as strong as it was last season either.