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 highly anticipated game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET, with Denver entering as the favorites, carrying a 5-point advantage into the contest.
Season Standings and Game Odds
With a solid record of 30-14, the Nuggets are currently positioned third in the Western Conference, showcasing their prowess and consistency throughout the season. On the flip side, the Pacers hold a 24-19 record, placing them seventh in the Eastern Conference. This matchup presents an over/under total set at 239 points, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.
Despite recent struggles that have seen Indiana lose four of their last five games, they maintain a strong home record, winning five of their past six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Conversely, the Nuggets have been on an impressive run, securing victories in four out of their last five outings and aiming for their third consecutive road win. The Pacers are looking to bounce back after a narrow defeat to the Phoenix Suns, with a final score of 117-110 in their latest game.
Injury Report and Player Performances
The health and availability of players could play a crucial role in the upcoming game. Tyrese Haliburton is listed as questionable for the Pacers due to a hamstring issue, while teammates Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful. For the Nuggets, Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther have been ruled out. However, there's positive news for Denver fans as Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play.
Nikola Jokic continues to be a dominant force for Denver, having put up a stellar performance with 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists against the Washington Wizards. His contributions, alongside Jamal Murray and Porter, who each scored 25 points in their last encounter with the Pacers, and Aaron Gordon's 20 points, underscore the Nuggets' offensive firepower. With Haliburton not participating in the previous game against Denver, the Pacers will hope for his swift recovery to bolster their lineup.
Historical Matchups and Betting Insights
The Nuggets have enjoyed considerable success against the Pacers, winning their last seven meetings, including a 117-109 victory earlier this month. Indiana has not managed to overcome Denver since 2020, and they've lost their last four home games when facing the Nuggets. Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their status as favorites.
From a betting perspective, Denver's Against The Spread (ATS) record this season stands at 19-24-1, covering 44.2% of their games. Their ATS percentage dips to 35.7% following a win, and their road ATS record is less than stellar at 8-15-0. Despite these figures, Denver's average margin of victory sits at five points, which aligns with the spread for the upcoming game. As away favorites, Denver covers one-third of the time.
On the other hand, 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. These statistics suggest that the Pacers might be a resilient opponent for the Nuggets come Tuesday night.
Key Players and League Rankings
Jokic, ranking 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1, is also fourth in the league for rebounds and assists, further cementing his status as one of the NBA's elite players. Murray contributes significantly as well, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. For Indiana, Haliburton leads the team in points per game and assists, making his potential absence or return a critical factor in the game's outcome.
Pascal Siakam's addition to the Pacers from the Toronto Raptors has provided a boost to their roster. He made an immediate impact by scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, and Indiana will be counting on his production against the formidable Nuggets.
Final Thoughts
While the Nuggets have had their challenges against the spread this season, their consistent 5-point margin of victory suggests they have the potential to cover in the upcoming matchup. The dynamic duo of Jokic and Murray, coupled with significant contributions from Porter and Gordon, will pose a serious threat to the Pacers