As the 2022/23 NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets continue to make their mark on the current season. They're set to face off against the Indiana Pacers in what promises to be an exciting Tuesday night matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, with the Nuggets entering as the favorites by a 5-point margin.
Nuggets' Impressive Season Continues
The Nuggets have been performing exceptionally well this season, boasting a record of 30-14, which places them third in the Western Conference standings. Their recent form has been solid, securing four wins in their last five outings and aiming for a third straight victory on the road. The team's success can be attributed to its star player, Nikola Jokic, who recently dazzled with a 42-point performance, complemented by 12 rebounds and eight assists against the Washington Wizards.
Pacers Seeking Home Comfort
Meanwhile, the Pacers sit seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 24-19 record. Despite losing four of their last five games, they have maintained a strong presence at home, winning five of their last six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. However, they'll be looking to bounce back from a recent defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns, where they fell short with a score of 117-110.
Injury Concerns for Both Teams
Both teams are facing injury concerns heading into the clash. Tyrese Haliburton is listed as questionable for Indiana due to a hamstring issue, and his absence could be significant given his lead in points per game (PPG) and assists for the Pacers. Additionally, Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are doubtful, which may further impact the Pacers' depth.
Denver will also be without several players, as Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther have been ruled out. However, there's good news for Nuggets fans as Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are both probable to play. Their contributions could prove crucial, especially considering their performances in the earlier meeting with the Pacers this month, where they scored 25 and 20 points, respectively.
Historical Edge and Betting Odds
The Nuggets have had the upper hand in recent history, defeating the Pacers in their last seven meetings. In fact, Indiana hasn't managed to overcome Denver since 2020, and they've lost their last four home encounters against the Nuggets. According to Bet Rivers, the Nuggets are priced at -175 on the moneyline, indicating confidence in their ability to secure another win.
However, it's worth noting that Denver's Against The Spread (ATS) record this season stands at 19-24-1, covering only 44.2% of their games. This drops even further to 35.7% following a win. When playing away and favored, Denver covers just one-third of the time. On the other side, Indiana has a more favorable ATS record of 24-18-2 for the 2023/24 season, covering 60% of their home games and boasting a 5-2 record as home underdogs.
Players to Watch
Jokic, ranking 13th in PPG with an average of 26.1, is fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. He remains a pivotal figure for Denver and will likely be a handful for the Pacers' defense. Jamal Murray also continues to be a key contributor for the Nuggets, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.
For Indiana, Pascal Siakam, who joined from the Toronto Raptors, has already made his presence felt by scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers. His performance and integration into the team will be critical as the Pacers seek to improve their standing and potentially upset the Nuggets.
Final Thoughts
Despite Denver's struggles ATS this season, their average 5-point margin of victory suggests they could still cover the spread in this matchup. With multiple scoring threats like Porter and Gordon, alongside the dominant Jokic, the Nuggets have proven their capability to score from various positions on the floor. It will take a concerted defensive effort from the Pacers to contain Denver's offensive prowess, especially if they are missing key players like Haliburton.
As both teams prepare for this encounter, the Nuggets appear poised to extend their winning streak over the Pacers, unless Indiana can leverage their home-court advantage and reverse the trend of their recent matchups. No matter the outcome, fans can expect a highly competitive game filled with