As the NBA season continues to unfold, all eyes are on the Denver Nuggets, the reigning 2022/23 champions, as they prepare to face off against the Indiana Pacers. The upcoming clash is set for Tuesday night at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The Nuggets enter the game as favorites, with a 5-point advantage, looking to extend their impressive run in the Western Conference where they currently hold a 30-14 record and the third spot.
Nuggets' Dominance
The Denver Nuggets have showcased why they are champions, maintaining a strong performance throughout the season. They've won four of their last five games and are on the hunt for their third consecutive road win. Their recent success is partly due to the stellar play of Nikola Jokic, who put up an astounding 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists in a showdown against the Washington Wizards. With Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon listed as probable, the Nuggets' offense looks ready to fire on all cylinders once again.
Pacers' Struggle and Resilience
On the other side, the Pacers are trying to find their rhythm after losing four of their last five games. However, they've proven to be formidable at home, winning five out of their last six games on their own court. Unfortunately, injuries could play a significant role in the outcome of the upcoming game, with Tyrese Haliburton's participation questionable due to a hamstring issue. Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful, which could limit Indiana's depth and firepower.
Previous Encounters
History seems to favor the Nuggets, who have emerged victorious in their last seven meetings with the Pacers, including a 117-109 win earlier this month. In that encounter, Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20. The Pacers will miss Haliburton's presence if he's unable to play, as he did not participate in the previous game against Denver. Moreover, Indiana has not managed to secure a win against the Nuggets since 2020, adding to the narrative of a one-sided rivalry in recent years.
Betting Odds and Stats
The odds from Bet Rivers place 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. Interestingly, their ATS percentage drops to 35.7% following a win, and their road ATS record is even less inspiring at 8-15-0. Nonetheless, with an average margin of victory sitting at five and as away favorites, they cover one-third of the time, indicating that they could still cover the spread against the Pacers.
Conversely, the Pacers have a more favorable ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2. They cover 60% of their home games and have a solid 5-2 record as home underdogs. These statistics suggest that Indiana might not be such an easy opponent to dismiss, especially when playing in front of their home crowd.
Players to Watch
Jokic, ranking 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1 and fourth in the league for rebounds and assists, remains the focal point of the Nuggets' attack. Murray also continues to contribute significantly, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. For the Pacers, Haliburton leads the team in PPG and assists, but his potential absence could shift the spotlight to recent addition Pascal Siakam, who scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Final Thoughts
The Nuggets' ability to score from various positions has been highlighted by their recent performances, with players like Porter and Gordon playing pivotal roles. As they gear up to continue their dominance over the Pacers, it's clear that Denver possesses the depth and talent to potentially cover the spread, despite their less-than-stellar ATS record this season. The Pacers, bruised but resilient, will look to leverage their home-court advantage and improve upon their encouraging home ATS statistics to upset the reigning champs. It promises to be an exciting matchup as the Nuggets strive to maintain their championship form, while the Pacers aim to defy the odds and stage an upset.