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. With a strong record of 30-14, the Nuggets currently hold the third spot in the Western Conference standings, while the Pacers, at 24-19, sit seventh in the Eastern Conference.
Game Preview
The over/under for the game is pegged at 239 points. The Pacers have had a rough patch recently, losing four of their last five games. However, they've shown resilience on their home court, winning five out of their last six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. In contrast, the Nuggets have been on an upward trajectory, securing victories in four of their past five matchups and seeking their third straight win on the road.
In their most recent outing, Indiana suffered a defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns, with a final score of 117-110. Despite this setback, the Pacers have managed to maintain a fairly balanced performance with two wins in their last six road games. On the other hand, Denver has been consistent, winning seven of their last ten overall. Notably, the Los Angeles Clippers have matched this level of play, boasting an 8-2 record over their previous ten games.
Player Highlights
Nikola Jokic, Denver's standout center, continues to impress with his remarkable performance of 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists against the Washington Wizards. His prowess will be crucial for the Nuggets as they aim to extend their dominance over the Pacers, having bested them in their last seven encounters, including a 117-109 victory earlier this month.
For Indiana, there are concerns regarding the availability of key players. Tyrese Haliburton is listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue, while Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful. Denver is not without its injury woes, as Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther are all sidelined. However, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play, which could bolster the Nuggets' lineup significantly.
In the teams' most recent meeting, Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each tallied 25 points, with Aaron Gordon adding 20 points to the mix. Haliburton was absent for that game, and his potential absence could again impact the Pacers' ability to counter Denver's offensive threats.
Betting Odds and Performance
Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their favorable position. History also sides with Denver; Indiana hasn't secured a victory against them since 2020 and has lost their last four home games in this matchup. When it comes to betting against the spread (ATS), the Nuggets have a season record of 19-24-1, covering only 44.2% of their games. Their ATS performance dips to 35.7% following a win and stands at 8-15-0 for road games. Despite these statistics, Denver's average margin of victory sits at five points, aligning with the current spread for the upcoming game.
Conversely, the Pacers have a stronger ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2. They cover 60% of their home games and have an impressive 5-2 record as home underdogs. These figures suggest that Indiana could outperform expectations despite being the underdog.
Key Players and Stats
Jokic isn't just a scoring threat; he ranks 13th in points per game with 26.1 and stands fourth in the league for both rebounds and assists. Murray contributes with an average of 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Haliburton leads the Pacers in points per game and assists, underscoring his importance to the team's offensive flow.
Pascal Siakam's addition to the Pacers from the Toronto Raptors adds another layer of intrigue to the game. He made an immediate impact by scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, indicating that he could be a significant factor against the Nuggets.
With these dynamics at play, Tuesday's game promises to be an engaging contest between two ambitious teams. The Nuggets aim to continue their championship-winning form, while the Pacers look to overcome recent struggles and prove their mettle against one of the West's elite squads.