Denver Nuggets Eyeing Victory in Indianapolis
The Denver Nuggets, crowned the 2022/23 NBA champions, are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. The matchup is scheduled at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Nuggets enter the game as favorites, with a 5-point advantage over the Pacers.
Currently, Denver holds an impressive 30-14 record, placing them third in the Western Conference standings. Conversely, the Pacers stand at 24-19, securing the seventh position in the Eastern Conference. With a total set at O/U 239 for the upcoming game, fans can anticipate a high-scoring affair.
Recent Performances
The Pacers have been struggling recently, losing four of their last five games. However, they have shown resilience on their home court, winning five out of six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Nuggets, on the other hand, have had better fortunes, securing victories in four of their past five outings and aiming for their third consecutive road win.
Indiana's last game resulted in a 117-110 defeat by the Phoenix Suns, while their performance on the road has been less than stellar, with only two wins in their last six attempts. Denver has maintained a strong form, emerging victorious in seven out of their last ten games. This consistency is slightly overshadowed by the Los Angeles Clippers' impressive 8-2 record over their last ten games, setting up a competitive atmosphere in the Western Conference.
Injury Updates and Player Highlights
As teams prepare for the upcoming clash, player availability could play a crucial role. Tyrese Haliburton's presence for the Pacers remains uncertain due to a hamstring issue, while Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful. Denver will be without Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther, but Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to join the action.
Nikola Jokic, Denver's star center, continues to impress with his recent 42-point, 12-rebound, and eight-assist performance against the Washington Wizards. His contributions alongside Jamal Murray and Porter, who each scored 25 points in their last meeting with the Pacers, will be pivotal. Gordon also made a significant impact, adding 20 points in that encounter. Notably, Haliburton did not participate in the previous game against Denver, which might have influenced the outcome.
Historical Matchups and Betting Odds
The Nuggets have dominated recent matchups against the Pacers, winning their last seven meetings. Furthermore, Indiana has not managed to secure a victory against Denver since 2020 and has lost the last four home games in this series. Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their confidence in Denver's chances.
When it comes to betting trends, the Nuggets' ATS (Against The Spread) record this season stands at 19-24-1, covering 44.2% of their games. Interestingly, after a win, Denver's ATS percentage drops to 35.7%. Their road ATS record is less than ideal at 8-15-0. Despite these statistics, Denver's average margin of victory aligns with the spread, suggesting they could cover the 5-point advantage as away favorites, a feat they achieve one-third of the time.
On the other side, Indiana boasts a more favorable ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2. The Pacers have covered 60% of their home games and hold a 5-2 record as home underdogs. These figures suggest that Indiana could very well defy the odds and cover the spread despite their underdog status.
Player Rankings and Contributions
Jokic isn't just a scoring threat; he ranks 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1 and is fourth in the league for both rebounds and assists. Murray also brings a strong game, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. For the Pacers, Haliburton leads the team in points per game and assists, adding depth to their offensive strategy.
The addition of Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors has given Indiana a boost. Siakam scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, showcasing the potential impact he could have for the Pacers moving forward.
With the stage set for an exciting contest, the Nuggets will look to maintain their championship-winning form, while the Pacers aim