The Denver Nuggets, reigning NBA champions from the 2022/23 season, are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The contest is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. ET tip-off, with Denver entering as the favorites. The Nuggets, currently holding a 30-14 record, sit comfortably third in the Western Conference, while the Pacers, with a 24-19 tally, occupy the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference.
Game Odds and Statistics
Sportsbooks have Denver favored by 5 points, reflecting their strong performance this season. Furthermore, the total for the game has been set at an over/under (O/U) of 239 points. Despite a recent slump where Indiana lost four of their last five games, they have maintained a solid record at home, winning five out of their last six games on their own court. Conversely, Denver has been on an upward trajectory, claiming victory in four of their last five matchups and seeking their third consecutive road win.
The Pacers' most recent outing resulted in a 117-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns, while their road game performance shows two wins in the last six attempts. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have secured seven wins in their last ten games, although the Los Angeles Clippers boast a slightly better record with an 8-2 run over their last ten.
Player Updates and Team Performance
Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets' star center, continues to impress with a stellar 42-point, 12-rebound, and eight-assist performance against the Washington Wizards. For the upcoming game, Tyrese Haliburton's participation remains uncertain due to a hamstring issue. The Pacers also might miss Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard, who are listed as doubtful. The Nuggets will be without Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther due to injuries, but Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play.
Earlier this month, the Nuggets emerged victorious over the Pacers with a 117-109 scoreline. In that encounter, the trio of Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, with Aaron Gordon adding 20 points. Haliburton was absent in the previous matchup, which could have influenced the outcome. Historically, Denver has dominated recent meetings, having defeated Indiana in their last seven encounters. Notably, the Pacers have not managed a win against Denver since 2020 and have succumbed in their last four home games against them.
Betting Insights
On the betting front, Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline. However, Denver's Against The Spread (ATS) record this season stands at 19-24-1, covering only 44.2% of their games. This percentage dips further to 35.7% following a win. On the road, their ATS record drops to 8-15-0. Despite these statistics, Denver's average margin of victory aligns with the spread, suggesting they could cover the 5-point spread as away favorites, a scenario in which they have succeeded one-third of the time.
In contrast, the Pacers have posted a more favorable ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2. They cover 60% of their home games and have a 5-2 record as home underdogs. These figures indicate a potential edge for Indiana when playing in front of their home crowd.
Key Players to Watch
Jokic's performance has been nothing short of remarkable, ranking 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1 and placing fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. Murray also contributes significantly with averages of 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. Haliburton leads the Pacers in points per game and assists, while new addition Pascal Siakam, formerly of the Toronto Raptors, scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Commentary around the game suggests that while the Nuggets have struggled ATS this season, their average margin of victory indicates potential to cover the spread in the upcoming game. With Jokic commanding attention on the floor and Murray requiring defensive coverage, Denver's ability to score from multiple positions, including significant contributions from players like Porter and Gordon, becomes a crucial factor in their success against the Pacers.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Pacers can break their losing streak against the Nuggets or if Denver will continue their dominance in this matchup. With key players on both sides potentially impacting the game, it