Another must-see preseason matchup is set for up north, as the Toronto Raptors and Denver Nuggets headline this year’s NBA Canada Series, scheduled for Tuesday, October 7 (PH time) at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.
The NBA today announced that the 2025 NBA Canada Series presented by Bell will feature a preseason game between the Toronto Raptors and the Denver Nuggets at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C. on Monday, Oct. 6.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) July 22, 2025
More: https://t.co/8kSOCjj2uz
This marks the 20th contest in the Canada Series since its inception in 2012, and it’s the first preseason game in Vancouver since 2023.
The Nuggets will play their first preseason game in Canada since 2016, when they narrowly defeated the Raptors 108-106.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is expected to lead Denver’s charge, but it’s the Canadian duo of Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon that adds even more excitement to a squad that pushed the eventual champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in a grueling seven-game semifinal series.
“It’s always an honor and a pleasure to get to return home to play basketball in Canada. I’m excited for the opportunity for myself and my team to face off against the Raptors in front of the basketball-hungry fans of Vancouver," Murray said in a statement.
In the offseason, Denver added Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas, while trading away sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr.
[ALSO READ: Denver Nuggets add Tim Hardaway, acquire Jonas Valanciunas in busy offseason—reports]
Meanwhile, Toronto boasts a roster featuring former All-Stars Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram.
[ALSO READ: Raptors land Brandon Ingram in major deal with Pelicans—reports]
With 2025 no. 9 pick Collin Murray-Boyles and fellow Canadian star RJ Barrett, the Raptors aim to end their three-year playoff drought as they head into the 2025-26 season.
The Canada Series has proven to be a key event for the league, drawing nearly 360,000 fans across six cities, with the Raptors playing in 14 of those games.
Last year, Toronto overwhelmed the Washington Wizards,125-98, in Montreal.
Earlier, the NBA also announced that the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks will play a regular-season game in Mexico City.
[ALSO READ: Cade Cunningham, Pistons to face Anthony Davis, Mavericks in NBA Mexico City Game 2025]
