The Denver Nuggets, fresh off their 2022/23 NBA championship triumph, are set to face the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday night. With tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, the Nuggets enter the game as five-point favorites.
Nuggets' Strong Season Continues
Denver's impressive 30-14 record places them third in the Western Conference, showcasing their consistency and resilience throughout the season. The team has been particularly effective lately, winning four of their last five games and seeking their third straight victory on the road. This success is reflected in their recent encounters with the Pacers, having defeated them earlier this month with a score of 117-109, extending their winning streak against Indiana to seven games.
Pacers Seeking to Rebound
Conversely, the Pacers sit seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 24-19 record. Despite their solid position, they've encountered some recent struggles, losing four out of their last five games. However, they've shown strength at home, winning five of their past six games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. As they prepare to host the Nuggets, they'll be looking to reverse a trend of four consecutive home losses to Denver and secure their first win against them since 2020.
Injury Report and Player Updates
Indiana's lineup is riddled with uncertainty as Tyrese Haliburton is listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue, while Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful. For Denver, Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther have been ruled out. On a brighter note for the Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play, which could bolster their already potent offense.
In their previous meeting, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, with Aaron Gordon adding 20 points. Their combined efforts will be critical for Denver's pursuit of another victory. Haliburton did not feature in the last matchup and his potential absence could again be a significant factor.
Statistical Standouts
Jokic continues to be a dominant force in the league, ranking 13th in points per game (26.1) and fourth in both rebounds and assists. His performance against the Washington Wizards, where he amassed 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, underscores his value to the team. Murray also remains a key contributor with averages of 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.
For Indiana, Haliburton leads the team in points per game and assists, while new addition Pascal Siakam, who joined from the Toronto Raptors, made an immediate impact scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Betting Odds and Trends
Despite the Nuggets' less than stellar Against The Spread (ATS) record this season at 19-24-1, covering just 44.2% of their games, there is belief that they could cover the spread against the Pacers. Notably, after a win, Denver's ATS percentage dips to 35.7%, and their road ATS record stands at 8-15-0. However, their average margin of victory aligns with the current five-point spread in their favor.
On the other hand, the Pacers have a stronger ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2. They've covered 60% of their home games and have a promising ATS record as home underdogs at 5-2. This suggests that while the Nuggets may be favored, the Pacers have consistently outperformed expectations in similar scenarios.
Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, indicating confidence in their chances to win outright. For those betting on the spread, Denver Nuggets -5 is available at -105 with Bet Rivers.
Final Thoughts
As the Nuggets aim to maintain their momentum and the Pacers seek redemption, Tuesday night's game promises to be a compelling clash between two determined teams. With star players on both sides potentially impacting the outcome and betting trends offering insights into the matchup, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if the Nuggets can continue their dominance over the Pacers or if Indiana can finally turn the tables.