The Denver Nuggets, fresh off their crowning as the 2022/23 NBA champions, are set to face the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game, slated to start at 7:00 p.m. ET, has Denver entering as the favorites by a 5-point margin.
Season Standings and Team Records
With a solid record of 30-14, the Nuggets hold the third spot in the Western Conference, showcasing their prowess throughout the season. On the other side, the Pacers, with a 24-19 tally, occupy the seventh position in the Eastern Conference. As teams prepare for their upcoming clash, the total for the game is pegged at an over/under (O/U) of 239 points.
Despite recent struggles that have seen Indiana lose four of their last five games, they maintain a strong home game performance with five victories in their last six outings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Conversely, the Nuggets have been on a winning trajectory, securing victories in four out of their last five contests and eyeing their third consecutive road win.
Recent Performances and Injuries
In their most recent matchup, the Pacers fell short against the Phoenix Suns, ending the game at 117-110. Their road game record reveals some inconsistencies, with only two wins in their last six away games. Meanwhile, Denver has been more consistent, triumphing in seven of their past ten matchups, while the Los Angeles Clippers boast an impressive 8-2 record over their last ten games.
A key player for the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, recently delivered a stellar performance against the Washington Wizards, racking up 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. However, the Pacers may face challenges with Tyrese Haliburton's status as questionable due to a hamstring issue. Additionally, Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are doubtful for the upcoming game. Denver also confronts injury woes with Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther sidelined, although Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are likely to play, listed as probable.
It's worth noting that the Nuggets have had the upper hand in recent encounters with the Pacers, including a 117-109 victory earlier this month. During that game, Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, with Aaron Gordon adding 20 points to the tally. Haliburton did not participate in the previous meeting, which could have influenced the outcome, given his role as a leading player for Indiana.
Historical Matchups and Betting Odds
History seems to favor the Nuggets, who have bested the Pacers in their last seven meetings. Bet Rivers currently prices the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their confidence in a Denver victory. It's been since 2020 that Indiana last celebrated a win against Denver, and they've suffered losses in their last four home games when facing the Nuggets.
When examining the Against The Spread (ATS) records, Denver has gone 19-24-1 this season, covering 44.2% of their games. This percentage dips to 35.7% following a win. Specifically, on the road, Denver's ATS record stands at 8-15-0. Despite these statistics, Denver's average margin of victory aligns with the spread, suggesting they could cover the 5-point lead as away favorites, a scenario they've succeeded in one-third of the time.
Conversely, Indiana's ATS record for the 2023/24 season is more favorable at 24-18-2. They've covered 60% of their home games and have an even more impressive ATS record as home underdogs at 5-2.
Player Spotlights and Contributions
Jokic isn't just a high scorer, averaging 26.1 points per game, ranking him 13th in the league, but he also excels in rebounds and assists, where he's fourth overall. Murray complements Jokic well, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. For the Pacers, Haliburton leads in points per game and assists, making his potential absence keenly felt.
Pascal Siakam, a new addition to Indiana from the Toronto Raptors, has already made his mark by scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers. His presence adds another layer of complexity for the Nuggets' defense to consider.
As the game approaches, analysts note Denver's poor ATS performance this season but recognize their average 5-point