(Reuters) - The streaking Denver Nuggets capitalized on a slow start by the visiting Toronto Raptors and led wire-to-wire in a 96-81 win at the Pepsi Center Friday.

The surprising Nuggets (14-5) have won six consecutive games while the Raptors (6-14), playing without their top scorer Andrea Bargnani, lost for the ninth time in their last 11.

The Raptors were unable to overcome an ice- cold start, missing 14 of their first 15 shots, allowing the Nuggets to build an early 16-2 lead.

The Nuggets stretched their advantage to as many as 23 points in the first half and led 54-32 at halftime.

The Raptors came back in the second half, reducing the deficit to just six points with nine minutes left but Danilo Gallinari scored following a turnover by Jamaal Magloire turnover and Rudy Fernandez followed with a three-pointer to push the lead back into double digits.

Fernandez, returning from an Achilles tendon injury, paced the Nuggets with 23 points off the bench, Gallinari scored 21, and Nene had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The Raptors were led by reserves Leandro Barbosa with 19 points and Jerryd Bayless with 18.

(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario. Editing by Alastair Himmer)