As the 2022/23 NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets continue to assert their dominance in the league. They are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on a brisk Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, fans are anticipating another showcase of basketball prowess from both teams.
Nuggets Favored to Win
The odds are tilting in favor of the visiting team, as Denver enters the game favored by 5 points. This confidence from oddsmakers isn't misplaced; the Nuggets boast an impressive 30-14 record, securing them the third spot in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Pacers, with a respectable 24-19 tally, hold the seventh position in the Eastern Conference. The total for the game is set at O/U 239, indicating expectations of a high-scoring affair.
Current Team Dynamics
The Pacers have had a challenging stretch recently, losing four of their last five games. However, they've shown resilience on their home court, winning five of their previous six games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Conversely, the Nuggets have been enjoying a successful run, having won four out of their last five matchups and are currently seeking their third consecutive road victory. Despite a recent defeat to the Phoenix Suns, where they fell 117-110, the Pacers will look to leverage their home-court advantage against the Nuggets, who have historically posed a challenge.
Denver's recent performance has been commendable, securing seven victories in their last ten outings. This record is slightly overshadowed by the Los Angeles Clippers' 8-2 standing over the same period, yet the Nuggets maintain a formidable presence in the league.
Player Spotlights and Injuries
Nikola Jokic, Denver's star center, continues to be a focal point for the team's success. He put up an astounding 42 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out eight assists in his last game against the Washington Wizards. His teammates Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., alongside Aaron Gordon, who is probable to play, each made significant contributions in their previous encounter with the Pacers, combining for a total of 70 points.
However, injuries could play a role in the upcoming game. Tyrese Haliburton is listed as questionable for Indiana due to a hamstring issue, while Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful. On the Nuggets' side, Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther are confirmed to be out, which might impact the depth of their rotation.
Historical Edge
The historical data leans heavily in Denver's favor. They have bested the Pacers in their last seven meetings, including a 117-109 victory earlier this month. Moreover, Indiana has not managed to overcome Denver since 2020, and the Pacers have lost their last four home games against the Nuggets.
Despite this, betting statistics offer a mixed perspective. The Nuggets' Against The Spread (ATS) record this season stands at 19-24-1, covering only 44.2% of their games. Their ATS percentage drops further to 35.7% following a win, and their road ATS record is a less-than-stellar 8-15-0. Interestingly, as away favorites, Denver covers just one-third of the time. In contrast, Indiana's ATS record for the 2023/24 season is a more solid 24-18-2, and they cover 60% of their home games. Notably, as home underdogs, the Pacers have a strong ATS record of 5-2.
Key Players to Watch
With Jokic ranking 13th in points per game at 26.1 and placing fourth in the league for rebounds and assists, he remains a player to watch closely. Murray also averages a healthy 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, making him a critical asset for Denver. For Indiana, Haliburton leads in PPG and assists, though his participation is uncertain. Additionally, Pascal Siakam, a new addition from the Toronto Raptors, scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, indicating his potential impact for the Pacers.
Bet Rivers has the Nuggets priced at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their status as favorites to win the contest. Even with their poor ATS performance this season, the Nuggets' average margin of victory aligns with the spread, suggesting they could indeed cover.
As the game approaches, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Jokic to deliver