The Denver Nuggets, crowned the 2022/23 NBA champions, are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. ET, with Denver entering as the favorites by a 5-point margin.
Season Standings and Betting Odds
The Nuggets boast an impressive 30-14 record, placing them third in the Western Conference, while the Pacers hold a 24-19 record, positioning them seventh in the Eastern Conference. The total for the game has been set at O/U 239 points. Despite their status as reigning champions, the Nuggets have struggled against the spread (ATS) this season, with a record of 19-24-1, covering only 44.2% of their games. After a win, their ATS percentage drops even further to 35.7%. On the road, Denver's ATS record worsens to 8-15-0. However, they maintain an average margin of victory of five points, which aligns with the point spread for this matchup.
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 strong 5-2 record as home underdogs. Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their recent dominance over the Pacers, including seven consecutive victories and four straight wins at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Team Performance and Player Updates
Denver enters the game having won four of their last five games and is seeking their third consecutive road win. Their performance has been buoyed by Nikola Jokic, who scored an impressive 42 points, along with 12 rebounds and eight assists, against the Washington Wizards. He ranks 13th in points per game with 26.1 and is fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. Jamal Murray also contributes significantly, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.
For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton's participation is uncertain due to a hamstring issue, and both Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are doubtful. Haliburton did not play in the previous encounter against Denver, a game that saw the Nuggets triumph with a score of 117-109. In that matchup, Jokic, Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. each tallied 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20 points.
Indiana has faced challenges recently, losing four of their last five games but has maintained a strong presence at home, winning five of their last six games on their own court. The team will look to Pascal Siakam, acquired from the Toronto Raptors, who scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, to make an impact.
Injury Report and Matchup Considerations
The injury report could play a crucial role in the upcoming game. For Denver, Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther are sidelined, while Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play. The Pacers' potential absence of Haliburton, Jackson, and Nembhard could shift the dynamics significantly.
Despite the Nuggets' poor ATS performance this season, their consistent average margin of victory suggests they might cover the spread in this game. With a multifaceted scoring approach, Denver has proven its ability to generate offense from various players, posing a challenge for the Pacers' defense.
Conclusion
As the Nuggets and Pacers prepare to clash, all eyes will be on Jokic to lead Denver's charge, while Murray and others like Porter and Gordon are expected to contribute significantly. The Pacers, on the other hand, will rely on their home-court advantage and hope that their recent success at Gainbridge Fieldhouse can translate into a much-needed win against the formidable Nuggets. With playoff implications on the line, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter between two competitive teams.
