Nuggets Eye Continued Dominance Over Pacers
As the 2022/23 NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The action is scheduled to commence at 7:00 p.m. ET, with Denver entering as the favorites by a 5-point margin.
The Nuggets boast an impressive 30-14 record, placing them third in the Western Conference, while the Pacers hold a respectable 24-19, positioning them seventh in the Eastern Conference. With the game's total set at O/U 239, all eyes will be on both teams as they vie for victory in this matchup.
Recent performances suggest a tight contest; Denver has triumphed in four of their last five games and is chasing their third consecutive road win. Meanwhile, despite the Pacers losing four of their last five games overall, they've proven formidable at home, winning five out of their last six on their own turf.
Previous Encounters and Player Updates
In their previous encounter earlier this month, the Nuggets emerged victorious over the Pacers with a score of 117-109. Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. each contributed 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20 points to the tally. Notably, Tyrese Haliburton did not participate in that game for Indiana.
For the upcoming game, the Pacers might have to contend without Haliburton once again, as he is listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue. Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful, potentially leaving significant gaps in the Pacers' lineup.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, will miss the services of Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther due to injuries. However, there's good news for Denver fans as Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play.
Statistical Standouts
Jokic's performance remains a highlight for Denver, having scored an impressive 42 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out eight assists against the Washington Wizards in a recent game. His season averages place him 13th in points per game (26.1) and fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. Murray also continues to be a key player for the Nuggets, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.
Haliburton leads the Pacers in points per game and assists, but his potential absence could shift the spotlight to recent acquisition Pascal Siakam, who scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers after joining from the Toronto Raptors.
Betting Insights
Despite Denver's less than stellar ATS (against the spread) record this season at 19-24-1, their average margin of victory sits at five points, suggesting they have the potential to cover the spread in this matchup. Their ATS percentage drops to 35.7% following a win, and their road ATS record stands at 8-15-0. When favored away from home, Denver covers the spread one-third of the time.
Conversely, the Pacers have a stronger ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2, covering 60% of their home games. As home underdogs, their ATS record is even more impressive at 5-2.
Historical Edge
The historical data leans heavily in favor of the Nuggets, who have defeated the Pacers in their last seven meetings. Indiana's last victory against Denver dates back to 2020, and they have lost their last four home games against the Nuggets. Bet Rivers currently has the Nuggets priced at -175 on the moneyline.
Quotes from analysts reflect the sentiment that, despite Denver's poor ATS performance this season, their consistent average margin of victory indicates a possibility of covering the spread. With Jokic being a challenging force to contain and Murray demanding attention, the Nuggets have proven their ability to score dynamically, as evidenced by contributions from players like Porter and Gordon in their recent clash with the Pacers.
As these two teams prepare to battle it out, the combination of statistics, player conditions, and historical precedents sets the stage for what promises to be an engaging contest in the heart of Indianapolis.