As the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets continue to display their dominance on the court. With a record of 30-14, they stand third in the Western Conference and are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game, which tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday night, has Denver entering as the favorites by a 5-point margin.
Game Preview
The Nuggets have been on an impressive run, winning four of their last five games and aiming for their third consecutive road victory. Their success is due in part to the stellar play of Nikola Jokic, who recently racked up 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists against the Washington Wizards. Alongside him, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., both probable for the upcoming game, each contributed 25 points in their last meeting with the Pacers, further proving the team's scoring depth.
On the other side, the Pacers, with a record of 24-19 and sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference, have had a mixed bag of results lately. Despite losing four of their last five games, they have maintained a strong home-court presence, winning five out of their last six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. However, they will be facing some challenges with Tyrese Haliburton listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue, while Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful for the game.
Injury Updates
Both teams are navigating injury concerns. Denver will be without Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther, but they could see the return of Aaron Gordon alongside Porter Jr. Indiana's potential absence of Haliburton could significantly impact their game plan, considering he leads the team in points per game and assists.
Betting Odds and Statistics
Denver's prowess is reflected in the betting odds, with Bet Rivers pricing the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline. Despite a less than stellar Against The Spread (ATS) record this season at 19-24-1, covering only 44.2% of their games, the Nuggets' average margin of victory aligns with the spread for the upcoming match. Post-win ATS percentages and their road ATS record suggest caution for bettors, as Denver covers just 35.7% after a win and holds an 8-15-0 road ATS record. However, as away favorites, they have managed to cover one-third of the time.
Comparatively, Indiana boasts a more favorable ATS record at 24-18-2 for the 2023/24 season, successfully covering 60% of their home games. Particularly as home underdogs, the Pacers shine with a 5-2 ATS record, hinting at their potential to upset the odds when playing in front of their fans.
Historical Matchups
History appears to be on Denver's side, as the Nuggets have triumphed over the Pacers in their last seven encounters, including a 117-109 victory earlier this month. Indiana hasn't secured a win against Denver since 2020, and the Pacers have lost their last four home games against the Nuggets. These statistics might weigh heavily on the minds of the players and fans alike as they prepare for the latest chapter in this matchup.
Player Spotlights
Jokic continues to be a formidable force, ranking 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1, and placing fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. Murray's averages of 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists also make him a key player to watch during the game.
For Indiana, the addition of Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors has brought a new dynamic to the team. Siakam scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers and will look to make a significant impact against the Nuggets. Meanwhile, Haliburton's status remains a pivotal factor for the Pacers' offense.
Final Thoughts
With the Nuggets looking to extend their winning streak and the Pacers aiming to solidify their home-court advantage, Tuesday night's game is poised to be a thrilling encounter. While Denver may not have covered the spread consistently this season, their average margin of victory suggests they have the potential to do so against Indiana. Jokic, along with a healthy Murray and Porter Jr., presents a challenging trio for any defense, and if the Pacers are without Haliburton, the task becomes even more daunting.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on these two contenders to see if