Champions Looking to Extend Dominance
The Denver Nuggets, the reigning 2022/23 NBA champions, are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. The game is set to take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, tipping off at 7:00 p.m. ET. With Denver entering as favorites by a 5-point spread, all eyes will be on whether they can continue their strong performance this season.
Currently sitting third in the Western Conference with a record of 30-14, the Nuggets have been showcasing their championship pedigree. Conversely, the Pacers hold a 24-19 record, placing them seventh in the Eastern Conference. This matchup comes with high expectations, reflected in an Over/Under total set at 239 points.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
Both teams have had contrasting fortunes recently. The Pacers seem to be struggling with consistency, having lost four of their last five games. However, they maintain a more positive outlook at home, winning five out of their last six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. On the other hand, Denver has won four of its last five games and is looking to secure their third consecutive road win. The Nuggets also boast a commendable seven wins in their last ten outings, indicating their form remains robust.
Despite these trends, it's worth noting that Indiana has stumbled in their last few encounters with Denver, losing the previous seven meetings. This includes a recent defeat where the Nuggets overcame the Pacers 117-109 earlier this month. In that game, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. each tallied 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20 points to the victory.
Injury Updates and Player Spotlights
Injury concerns are casting a shadow over the Pacers' lineup, with Tyrese Haliburton listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue. Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful. For Denver, Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther are sidelined, but there's optimism around Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, who are both probable for the game.
Jokic's recent performance against the Washington Wizards was nothing short of spectacular, with the Serbian center dropping 42 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out eight assists. His consistent output has him ranked 13th in points per game with 26.1 and fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. Murray, contributing 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, has also been a key figure for the Nuggets this season.
For the Pacers, Haliburton leads the team in points per game and assists, while the addition of Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors adds another layer of depth to their squad. Siakam made his presence felt immediately, scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Betting Trends and Odds
From a betting perspective, the Nuggets haven't been particularly strong against the spread (ATS) this season, holding a 19-24-1 record. They cover only 44.2% of their games, with this percentage dipping to 35.7% following a win. Their road ATS record stands at 8-15-0. However, as away favorites, Denver covers one-third of the time, which could bode well given their 5-point advantage heading into this contest.
The Pacers, meanwhile, have 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 Indiana might put up a formidable fight despite being the underdog.
With Bet Rivers pricing the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, the odds are leaning towards a Denver victory. The quote from the sportsbook suggests that despite Denver's poor ATS performance this season, their average 5-point margin of victory indicates they could cover the spread in this upcoming game.
Closing Thoughts
As the two teams prepare to face off, the Nuggets aim to extend their dominance over the Pacers, who are seeking redemption and a chance to break their losing streak against Denver since 2020. With key players like Jokic and Murray expected to make significant impacts, and the Pacers hoping for contributions from Siakam and potentially Haliburton, this game is poised to be a captivating battle on the court. Fans and bettors alike will