The Denver Nuggets have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA, clinching the 2022/23 championship title. They are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game, which tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET, sees Denver entering as the favorites, with the odds set at a 5-point advantage.
Nuggets' Dominance
With a strong 30-14 record, the Nuggets sit comfortably in third place within the Western Conference. Their performance has been consistently impressive, as evidenced by their winning streak of four out of their last five games. The team's success is not limited to their home court; they are on the hunt for their third consecutive road win. Denver's ability to maintain a high level of play is also reflected in their recent victories, boasting a solid seven wins in their last ten outings.
Pacers' Struggle and Resilience
Contrasting the Nuggets' success, the Pacers have had a rough stretch, losing four of their last five games. However, they've shown resilience on their home turf, capturing five out of six home games recently. Despite a respectable 24-19 record that places them seventh in the Eastern Conference, the Pacers are coming off a disappointing 117-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns. With a mixed record of two wins in their last six road games, the Pacers will look to leverage their home-court advantage against the Nuggets.
Injury Report and Player Highlights
The injury list could play a pivotal role in the upcoming game. Tyrese Haliburton is listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue, while Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are doubtful for Indiana. On the Denver side, Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther are sidelined. However, there is good news for the Nuggets as Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play.
Nikola Jokic, who scored an impressive 42 points along with 12 rebounds and eight assists against the Washington Wizards, continues to be a standout player. His rank as 13th in points per game (26.1) and fourth in the league for rebounds and assists underscores his significant impact. Jamal Murray also remains a key contributor, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. In their previous encounter with the Pacers, Jokic, Murray, and Porter each tallied 25 points, with Aaron Gordon adding 20 points to the scoreboard. The Nuggets have historically dominated the Pacers, winning their last seven meetings, including a 117-109 victory earlier this month.
Betting Odds and Statistics
The betting odds reflect the Nuggets' dominance over the Pacers, with Bet Rivers pricing Denver at -175 on the moneyline. Despite this, the Nuggets have struggled against the spread (ATS) this season, with a record of 19-24-1, covering only 44.2% of their games. After a win, their ATS percentage dips further to 35.7%. As away favorites, Denver has covered just one-third of the time, indicating a potential area of concern for bettors.
Conversely, Indiana boasts a more favorable 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. This suggests that despite being the underdog in the upcoming matchup, Indiana might still present a challenge for Denver, especially considering the Pacers' strong performance in recent home games.
Key Matchups and Predictions
Looking ahead to the game, the total is set at O/U 239, highlighting the expectation of a high-scoring affair. The Nuggets' average margin of victory sitting at five aligns with their status as 5-point favorites. Analysts note that although Denver's ATS performance has been less than stellar this season, their average margin of victory suggests they could indeed cover the spread against the Pacers.
As the teams prepare for their clash, all eyes will be on Jokic and Murray to lead Denver's charge. The Nuggets' depth in scoring options, with contributions from players like Porter and Gordon, will be critical. For Indiana, the potential absence of Haliburton could be a significant blow, but the addition of Pascal Siakam, who scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, offers hope for a competitive game.
With the Nuggets' track record of success against the Pacers and their current form, they are positioned