The Denver Nuggets, crowned as the NBA champions for the 2022/23 season, are poised to face off against the Indiana Pacers on a brisk Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The action is set to commence at 7:00 p.m. ET with Denver entering the fray as the favorites, holding a 5-point advantage over their hosts.
Current Standings and Recent Performances
With an impressive 30-14 record, the Nuggets sit comfortably in third place within the Western Conference hierarchy. Meanwhile, the Pacers, brandishing a respectable 24-19 record, find themselves in the seventh slot of the Eastern Conference. A high-scoring affair is anticipated, as evidenced by the over/under (O/U) total set at 239 points for the game.
The Pacers have been struggling to find consistency lately, having suffered four losses in their last five outings. However, they've shown resilience on their home court, winning five out of their last six games in Indianapolis. Conversely, the Nuggets have been enjoying a strong run of form, celebrating victories in four of their last five matches, and are currently seeking to secure their third consecutive road win.
In their most recent contest, Indiana fell short against the Phoenix Suns with a scoreline of 117-110. Their performance on the road has been less than stellar, managing only two wins in their last six away games. Denver, on the other hand, boasts a more robust record, having triumphed in seven of their past ten games overall. This puts them just behind the Los Angeles Clippers, who have an outstanding 8-2 tally over their last ten games.
Player Updates and Team Dynamics
Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets' star center, continues to impress with his remarkable performances, the latest being a 42-point, 12-rebound, and eight-assist masterclass against the Washington Wizards. His teammate Tyrese Haliburton, however, is tagged as questionable for the upcoming match due to a hamstring issue. The Pacers could also miss the presence of Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard, both listed as doubtful.
Denver will not be at full strength either, with Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther sidelined for the game. Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, however, are likely to take part in the action, as they're listed as probable.
The previous encounter between these two teams earlier this month ended in favor of the Nuggets, who emerged victorious with a 117-109 scoreline. In that game, Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20 points to the tally. Notably, Haliburton did not feature in that matchup for Indiana.
A historical edge leans heavily towards Denver, who have outperformed the Pacers in their last seven meetings. Indiana's last victory over the Nuggets dates back to 2020, and they have failed to overcome Denver in their last four attempts at home.
Betting Odds and Statistics
When it comes to betting odds, Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline. Despite Denver's prowess on the court, their Against The Spread (ATS) record this season stands at 19-24-1, translating to a coverage rate of 44.2%. Post-victory games see this percentage dip even further to 35.7%, with their road ATS record lingering at 8-15-0. Nevertheless, Denver's average margin of victory aligns with the spread, suggesting they have the potential to cover the 5-point handicap against the Pacers.
On the flip side, the Pacers boast a stronger ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2. They have successfully covered 60% of their home games and hold a promising 5-2 record when cast as home underdogs.
Individually, Jokic is a force to be reckoned with, ranking 13th in the league for points per game (26.1) and placing fourth in rebounds and assists. Murray also presents a significant threat, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. For Indiana, Haliburton leads the team in points per game and assists. The addition of Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors has bolstered the Pacers' lineup, with Siakam scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
In summary, while the Nuggets may have struggled ATS this season, their average 5-point margin of victory indicates a possibility of covering the spread in the upcoming