The Denver Nuggets have solidified their championship pedigree by clinching the 2022/23 NBA title, and they aim to continue their dominant run as they face off against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. The contest is set at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The Nuggets enter the game as the favorites, with a 5-point advantage over the Pacers.
Current Standings and Performance
Denver's impressive record of 30-14 places them third in the Western Conference, while the Pacers hold a 24-19 record, positioning them seventh in the Eastern Conference. With the total for the game set at an Over/Under (O/U) of 239 points, both teams are expected to showcase their offensive prowess. Despite losing four of their last five games, the Pacers have maintained a strong presence at home, winning five out of their last six games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Conversely, the Nuggets have been on a hot streak, securing victories in four of their past five matchups and eyeing their third consecutive road win.
Recent Encounters and Player Updates
The Pacers, coming off a 117-110 defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns, have struggled on the road with only two wins in their last six away games. However, the Nuggets have been more consistent overall, triumphing in seven out of their last ten games. This consistency is mirrored by the Los Angeles Clippers, who boast an 8-2 record over their previous ten games, indicating a competitive Western Conference.
Individual performances have also been noteworthy, with Nikola Jokic delivering an outstanding 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists against the Washington Wizards in a recent game. However, the Pacers may face challenges with Tyrese Haliburton's status as questionable due to a hamstring issue, and both Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful. Denver will miss Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther due to injuries, but Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play.
In their earlier meeting this month, the Nuggets emerged victorious over the Pacers with a 117-109 scoreline. Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20 points. Haliburton did not participate in that encounter, and the Nuggets have dominated the series with seven consecutive wins against the Pacers. Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their favorable odds. Notably, Indiana has not managed to overcome Denver since 2020, and they have lost their last four home games against the Nuggets.
Betting Trends and Statistics
The Nuggets' Against The Spread (ATS) record this season stands at 19-24-1, covering 44.2% of their games. However, following a win, their ATS percentage dips to 35.7%. On the road, Denver's ATS record is less impressive at 8-15-0. Yet, with an average margin of victory sitting at five points and as away favorites, Denver covers one-third of the time, suggesting they could still cover the spread against the Pacers.
On the other side, the Pacers have a stronger ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2. They have covered 60% of their home games and have an even more impressive 5-2 record as home underdogs. These statistics indicate that Indiana could potentially outperform expectations despite being the underdog.
Key Players to Watch
Jokic's performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable, ranking 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1, and placing fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. Murray has also been a significant contributor, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. For the Pacers, Haliburton leads the team in points per game and assists, though his participation remains uncertain.
Pascal Siakam, who joined Indiana from the Toronto Raptors, scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, providing the Pacers with a much-needed boost. His addition to the roster could be pivotal in altering the dynamics of the upcoming game.
In summary, while the Nuggets have shown some weaknesses in covering the spread this season, their average margin of victory aligns with the current spread, hinting at a potential cover against the Pacers. Jokic's exceptional form, coupled with contributions from Murray, Porter, and Gordon, indicates that Denver has the firepower to challenge Indiana's defense. As the teams prepare to