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 commence at 7:00 p.m. ET, with Denver entering as the favorites by a 5-point margin.
Nuggets' Dominance
With an impressive 30-14 record, the Nuggets sit comfortably at third in the Western Conference standings. Their recent form has been formidable, having won four of their last five games and aiming for their third consecutive road victory. The team's confidence is further bolstered by their seven wins out of the last ten games. This includes a previous triumph over the Pacers earlier this month with a scoreline of 117-109, extending their winning streak against Indiana to seven consecutive matchups.
Pacers' Struggle and Resilience at Home
The Pacers, while facing some challenges with a 24-19 record that places them seventh in the Eastern Conference, have demonstrated resilience on their home court, winning five of their last six games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. However, they've stumbled recently, losing four of their last five games overall, including a narrow defeat to the Phoenix Suns with a score of 117-110 in their most recent outing. As underdogs, Indiana has shown potential with a 5-2 ATS record at home, covering 60% of their home games.
Injury Concerns and Team News
Indiana's lineup could be impacted by injuries, with Tyrese Haliburton listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue, and both Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard doubtful for the upcoming game. Meanwhile, Denver will be missing Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther due to injuries. However, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable, which should provide a significant boost to the Nuggets' roster.
Player Spotlights and Stats
The spotlight inevitably falls on Nikola Jokic, who has been nothing short of spectacular, scoring 42 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out eight assists in his recent performance against the Washington Wizards. Jokic ranks 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1 and stands fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. His teammate Jamal Murray also brings considerable firepower, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. In their last meeting with the Pacers, Jokic, Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20 points to the tally.
For the Pacers, Haliburton leads the team in PPG and assists, though his participation is uncertain. Pascal Siakam, who joined Indiana from the Toronto Raptors, made an immediate impact by scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers. His presence adds depth and versatility to the Pacers' offense.
Betting Odds and Trends
Despite the Nuggets' less-than-stellar ATS record this season at 19-24-1, and only covering 44.2% of their games, experts suggest they could still cover the spread given their average 5-point margin of victory. Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their status as favorites. After a win, however, Denver's ATS percentage drops to 35.7%, and their road ATS record stands at 8-15-0. As away favorites, they cover one-third of the time, indicating potential concerns for bettors considering backing Denver against the spread.
Conversely, the Pacers have maintained a more solid ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2. With a strong performance as home underdogs, they could potentially offer value for those wagering on Indiana to cover or even upset the reigning champions.
Final Thoughts
As the Nuggets and Pacers prepare to battle it out on the court, all eyes will be on whether Denver can maintain their dominance over Indiana or if the Pacers can leverage their home-court advantage and reverse their fortunes against the champions. With key players on both sides either returning or potentially sitting out due to injuries, the outcome could hinge on the performances of the available stars and role players stepping up to the challenge.
Quotes from analysts highlight the Nuggets' scoring versatility and the challenge that Jokic poses to any defense. As the teams gear up for the clash, it remains to be seen if the Nuggets can live up to their favorite status and cover the spread, or if the Pacers will defy the odds and secure a much-needed victory