The Denver Nuggets, crowned as the 2022/23 NBA champions, are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game, which is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. ET, sees Denver entering as the favorites, with a 5-point advantage.
Season Records and Team Performance
With a strong record of 30-14, the Nuggets currently hold the third spot in the Western Conference. The Pacers, not far behind, have secured a 24-19 record, placing them seventh in the Eastern Conference. Despite their recent struggles, losing four of their last five games, the Pacers have shown resilience on their home court, winning five of their previous six home games. Conversely, the Nuggets have been in fine form, celebrating victories in four of their last five matches and aiming for their third consecutive road win.
Betting Odds and Stats
The total for the upcoming game is set at O/U 239 points. In their last encounter, Denver emerged victorious over Indiana with a score of 117-109. When it comes to betting, Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline. Denver's Against The Spread (ATS) record this season stands at 19-24-1, covering 44.2% of their games. However, their performance dips after a win, with an ATS percentage dropping to 35.7%. On the road, Denver's ATS record is less impressive at 8-15-0. As away favorites, they cover only one-third of the time. Meanwhile, the Pacers boast a more favorable ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2, successfully covering 60% of their home games and holding a solid 5-2 record as home underdogs.
Player Updates and Matchup History
Nikola Jokic, who scored an impressive 42 points along with 12 rebounds and eight assists against the Washington Wizards, continues to be a dominant force for Denver. He ranks 13th in points per game with 26.1 and is fourth in the league for both rebounds and assists. Jamal Murray also remains a key player, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton, leading the team in points and assists, is questionable due to a hamstring issue. Indiana will also potentially miss the contributions of Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard, who are doubtful for the game. Denver will be without Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther, but Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play.
In the teams' most recent clash, Jokic, Murray, and Porter each tallied 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20 points. Notably, Haliburton did not participate in that game. The Nuggets have established dominance over the Pacers in recent history, having won their last seven meetings. Indiana's last victory against Denver dates back to 2020, and they've lost the last four home games against the Nuggets.
Pascal Siakam, who joined Indiana from the Toronto Raptors, has already made his presence felt by scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Analyzing the Upcoming Game
While Denver's ATS performance this season may seem lackluster, their average margin of victory aligns with the spread, suggesting they could cover the 5-point spread in the upcoming match. The Nuggets' ability to score from various positions has been evident, with players like Porter and Gordon significantly contributing in their previous matchup with the Pacers. Jokic's continued excellence presents a significant challenge for Indiana, especially if Murray also performs to his potential.
Despite the statistics favoring Denver, the Pacers' strong ATS record as home underdogs and their commendable performance in recent home games cannot be overlooked. With key players potentially sidelined for both teams, the dynamics of the game could shift, making for an unpredictable and thrilling contest.
As the two teams prepare to battle it out on the court, fans can expect a competitive game filled with strategic plays and standout performances. The question remains whether the Nuggets will extend their winning streak against the Pacers or if Indiana will rise to the occasion and secure a much-needed victory in front of their home crowd.