As the NBA season progresses, all eyes are on the Denver Nuggets as they continue to assert their dominance following their 2022/23 championship triumph. The Nuggets are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on a Tuesday night showdown at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Denver enters the game as the favorites, with a 5-point advantage over the Pacers. The Nuggets' impressive 30-14 record positions them third in the Western Conference, while the Pacers hold a 24-19 record, placing them seventh in the Eastern Conference. With the total for the game set at O/U 239, fans can anticipate an exciting and high-scoring affair.
Recent Form
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 last six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. On the other hand, Denver has won four of their last five games and is seeking their third consecutive road win, demonstrating their strength both at home and on the road.
Indiana's most recent outing resulted in a 117-110 defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns. Despite this setback, the Pacers have demonstrated some success on the road, securing two wins out of their last six away games. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have maintained a solid performance overall, celebrating victories in seven of their last ten matchups. Notably, the Los Angeles Clippers have been on a similar run, boasting an 8-2 record over their last ten games, which may pose a challenge for Denver moving forward.
Player Updates
Nikola Jokic continues to be a standout performer for the Nuggets, coming off a stellar performance against the Washington Wizards where he racked up 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton's participation remains uncertain due to a hamstring issue, and teammates Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful, potentially impacting Indiana's depth.
Denver will miss the services of Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther due to injuries. However, there's positive news as Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play, bolstering the Nuggets' lineup.
In their previous encounter earlier this month, Denver emerged victorious with a 117-109 win over the Pacers. Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20 points to the tally. Haliburton was absent in that game, and his potential absence again could be a significant factor in the upcoming contest.
The Nuggets have enjoyed a streak of success against the Pacers, having beaten them in their last seven meetings. Indiana has not managed to overcome Denver since 2020, further extending their drought in the four subsequent home games against the Nuggets.
Betting Insights
Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their status as the favored team. Despite Denver's less-than-stellar ATS (against the spread) record this season at 19-24-1, covering only 44.2% of their games, they have consistently achieved an average margin of victory of five points. Interestingly, after a win, Denver's ATS percentage drops to 35.7%, and their road ATS record stands at 8-15-0. When playing as away favorites, the Nuggets cover the spread one-third of the time.
Conversely, the Pacers have a more favorable ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2. They cover 60% of their home games and have a strong ATS record as home underdogs at 5-2, suggesting they could defy expectations against the Nuggets.
Key Players to Watch
Jokic, ranking 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1, is also fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. Murray has been consistent for Denver as well, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. Haliburton leads Indiana in points per game and assists, and his presence or absence could significantly impact the Pacers' performance.
Pascal Siakam, who joined Indiana from the Toronto Raptors, has already made his mark by scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers. His integration into the Pacers' system adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup.
As the game approaches, analysts suggest that despite Denver's poor ATS record this season, their average 5-point margin of victory indicates they could still cover the spread. Jokic's form makes him a formidable opponent, and with Murray requiring defensive attention, the Nuggets' multi-faceted scoring threat, including contributions from Porter and Gordon, could prove too much for the Pacers to handle
