The Denver Nuggets, reigning NBA champions from the 2022/23 season, are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on a Tuesday night showdown at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, with Denver entering the contest as favorites by a 5-point margin.
Nuggets' Strong Season Continues
With a solid record of 30-14, the Nuggets have secured third place in the Western Conference. Their recent form has been impressive, winning four of their last five games and aiming for their third consecutive road win. The team's success can be partly attributed to the stellar performance of Nikola Jokic, who put up an astounding 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists against the Washington Wizards in a recent game. Additionally, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, who are listed as probable for the upcoming game, contributed significantly in their last encounter with the Pacers, scoring 25 and 20 points respectively.
Pacers Seeking Home Comfort
The Pacers hold a 24-19 record, placing them seventh in the Eastern Conference. Despite losing four of their last five games, they have shown resilience at home, winning five out of six on their own turf. However, they face injury concerns with Tyrese Haliburton listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue, while Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are doubtful for the game.
Injury Impact and Player Availability
Denver will miss the services of Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther, all ruled out due to injuries. On the other side, Indiana might feel the absence of key players if Haliburton, Jackson, and Nembhard cannot take the court.
Historical Edge
The Nuggets have had the upper hand in recent history against the Pacers, winning their last seven meetings, including a 117-109 victory earlier this month. Notably, Indiana hasn't managed to overcome Denver since 2020, and they've lost their last four home games against the Nuggets.
Betting Odds and Trends
The betting odds from Bet Rivers favor the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline. While Denver's Against The Spread (ATS) record this season stands at 19-24-1, covering 44.2% of their games, it drops to 35.7% following a win. Their road ATS record is even less encouraging at 8-15-0. Conversely, Indiana boasts a stronger ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2, covering 60% of their home games and showing particular strength as home underdogs with a 5-2 record.
Key Players to Watch
Jokic, ranking 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1 and fourth in the league for rebounds and assists, continues to be a pivotal player for Denver. Jamal Murray also remains a significant contributor, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. For Indiana, Haliburton leads the team in points per game and assists, though his participation is uncertain. Pascal Siakam, a new addition from the Toronto Raptors, scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, indicating he could become a vital piece for the Pacers.
Analyst Predictions
Despite Denver's struggles ATS this season, their average margin of victory aligns with the spread, suggesting they could cover the 5-point handicap against Indiana. Analysts highlight Jokic as a challenging matchup for any team, and with Murray's support, they emphasize the Nuggets' ability to score from multiple areas. This versatility was evident in their previous clash with the Pacers, where Porter and Gordon made substantial contributions.
As the two teams prepare to battle it out, fans and bettors alike will be keenly watching to see if the Nuggets can continue their dominance over the Pacers or if Indiana can leverage their home-court advantage to turn the tide in this enduring rivalry.