Denver Nuggets Eye Victory in Showdown Against Indiana Pacers
The Denver Nuggets, the reigning 2022/23 NBA champions, are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, with Denver entering as the favorites by a 5-point margin.
Season Standings and Game Odds
Denver's impressive record of 30-14 places them third in the Western Conference, while the Pacers hold a 24-19 record, positioning them seventh in the Eastern Conference. The total for the game is set at an over/under (O/U) of 239 points. Despite the Pacers losing four of their last five games, they have maintained a strong home record, winning five out of their last six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Conversely, Denver has been dominant recently, securing wins in four of their last five matchups and seeking their third consecutive road win.
The Pacers are looking to rebound after a 117-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns in their previous game. However, their road performance has been less than stellar, with only two wins in their last six away games. The Nuggets, on the other hand, boast a solid track record, having won seven of their last ten games, though the Los Angeles Clippers outshine them slightly with an 8-2 record over the same period.
Player Updates and Team Performance
Nikola Jokic, Denver's star center, continues to be a powerhouse, coming off a remarkable performance against the Washington Wizards where he tallied 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton's status remains uncertain due to a hamstring issue, with Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard also doubtful. Denver will miss the services of Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther due to injuries, but Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play.
In their previous encounter earlier this month, the Nuggets came out on top with a 117-109 victory over the Pacers. Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, with Aaron Gordon adding 20 points. Notably, Haliburton did not participate in that game for Indiana.
The Nuggets have had the upper hand against the Pacers in recent history, winning their last seven meetings. Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their confidence in Denver's ability to continue their winning streak, especially considering Indiana has not managed to overcome Denver since 2020 and has lost their last four home games against the Nuggets.
Betting Insights
Denver's Against The Spread (ATS) record this season stands at 19-24-1, translating to covering 44.2% of their games. Their ATS percentage drops to 35.7% following a win, and their road ATS record is 8-15-0. With an average margin of victory sitting at five points, Denver has covered the spread one-third of the time when playing as away favorites.
On the flip side, Indiana's ATS record for the 2023/24 season is more favorable at 24-18-2. The Pacers have proven resilient on their home court, covering 60% of their home games, and holding an ATS record of 5-2 as home underdogs.
Key Players to Watch
Jokic's performance has been stellar, ranking him 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1, and fourth in the league for both rebounds and assists. Murray is also a significant contributor for Denver, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Haliburton leads Indiana in both points per game and assists, making his potential absence a critical factor in the upcoming matchup.
Pascal Siakam, who joined the Pacers from the Toronto Raptors, scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, showcasing his ability to make an immediate impact for his new team.
Closing Thoughts
Despite Denver's struggles ATS this season, their consistent 5-point margin of victory suggests they could cover the spread in this game. Jokic's dominance presents a challenge for any opponent, and with Murray providing additional scoring support, the Nuggets have multiple offensive threats. Players like Porter and Gordon have already demonstrated their value in the previous clash with the Pacers, suggesting Denver's capacity to score from various positions on the court.
With all these factors in play, the upcoming game promises to be an intriguing battle as the Nuggets aim to extend their winning streak, while the Pacers seek to improve their standing and break their unfortunate trend against Denver.
