Nuggets Seek Continuation of Dominance Over Pacers
The Denver Nuggets, crowned as the 2022/23 NBA champions, are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. ET tip-off, with Denver entering as the favorites by a 5-point margin.
Season Standings and Betting Odds
With a strong record of 30-14, the Nuggets currently hold third place in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Pacers' 24-19 record positions them seventh in the Eastern Conference. The stakes are high as the total for the game is pegged at an over/under (O/U) of 239 points.
Bet Rivers sportsbook has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their status as the favored team. Despite this, Denver's Against The Spread (ATS) record this season stands at 19-24-1, covering only 44.2% of their games. Following a win, Denver's ATS percentage drops further to 35.7%, and their road ATS record is even less impressive at 8-15-0. However, when it comes to being away favorites, Denver has managed to cover one-third of the time, matching their average margin of victory at five points.
Conversely, the Pacers have a more favorable ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2. They have covered 60% of their home games and have an impressive 5-2 ATS record as home underdogs.
Recent Form
The Nuggets are riding a wave of momentum, having won four out of their last five games and seeking their third consecutive road win. On the flip side, the Pacers are looking to bounce back after losing four of their last five outings, although they have maintained a solid record at home, winning five of their last six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Indiana's recent struggles continued with a defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns, where they fell 117-110. However, their home court has not been as hospitable to the Nuggets historically; the Pacers have lost their last four home games against Denver and haven't secured a victory against them since 2020.
Injury Concerns and Team Dynamics
Both teams are navigating injury concerns. Tyrese Haliburton is listed as questionable for the upcoming game due to a hamstring issue, while Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful for Indiana. For Denver, Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther have been ruled out. However, there's positive news for the Nuggets as Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play.
The Nuggets' offensive prowess was on full display in their previous encounter with the Pacers, which ended in a 117-109 victory earlier this month. Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, with Aaron Gordon adding 20 points to the tally. Haliburton did not feature in that game for Indiana, and his potential absence could once again be a deciding factor.
Key Players to Watch
Jokic continues to be a formidable force, ranking 13th in points per game with 26.1 and standing fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. His recent performance against the Washington Wizards, where he amassed 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, underscores his value to the team. Jamal Murray complements Jokic with averages of 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.
For Indiana, Haliburton leads the team in points per game and assists, assuming he is fit to play. Additionally, Pascal Siakam's move from the Toronto Raptors to Indiana has bolstered the Pacers' lineup, with Siakam scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Conclusion
"Denver has been poor ATS this season, but their average 5-point margin of victory means they could cover here," suggests one analyst. With multiple scoring threats like Porter and Gordon, who made significant contributions in their last clash with the Pacers, the Nuggets have proven their ability to score from various positions on the floor. Jokic's presence is always a challenge for opponents, and Murray's role cannot be underestimated. As both teams prepare for their matchup, the Nuggets aim to extend their seven-game winning streak against the Pacers, while Indiana hopes to reclaim some home court pride and reverse their recent fortunes against the reigning champions.