The Denver Nuggets, crowned as the 2022/23 NBA champions, are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. The matchup will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The Nuggets enter the game as favorites, with a 5-point advantage over the Pacers.
Nuggets' Formidable Record
With a strong season performance, the Nuggets boast a record of 30-14, placing them third in the Western Conference standings. They have been consistent in their play, securing victories in four out of their last five games and aiming for their third consecutive road win. This recent success is reflected in their overall performance, having won seven of their last ten games. Denver's average margin of victory stands at five, aligning with their current spread against the Pacers.
Pacers' Recent Struggles and Home Court Advantage
The Pacers, meanwhile, hold a 24-19 record and sit seventh in the Eastern Conference. Despite losing four of their last five games, they have maintained a strong presence at home, winning five of their last six games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. However, their last game resulted in a defeat by the Phoenix Suns with a score of 117-110. On the road, the Pacers have faced challenges, winning only two of their last six games.
Injury Concerns and Player Performances
Player availability could be a significant factor in the upcoming game. For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton's participation is questionable due to a hamstring issue, while Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful. The Nuggets will be without Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther, but Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play.
Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets' star center, continues to impress with his stellar performances, including a recent outing where he racked up 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists against the Washington Wizards. Jokic ranks 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1 and holds fourth place in the league for rebounds and assists. Jamal Murray also remains a key contributor for Denver, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.
For the Pacers, Haliburton leads the team in points per game and assists. The addition of Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors has bolstered the squad, with Siakam scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Historical Matchup and Betting Odds
History favors the Nuggets, who have beaten the Pacers in their last seven meetings, including a 117-109 victory earlier this month. In that encounter, Jokic, Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20. Haliburton did not participate in the previous game against Denver, which may have impacted the outcome.
The betting odds reflect Denver's edge, with Bet Rivers pricing the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline. Indiana has not managed to secure a win against Denver since 2020 and has lost their last four home games against the Nuggets.
Betting Trends and Predictions
When examining the teams' Against The Spread (ATS) records, the Nuggets stand at 19-24-1 for the season, covering 44.2% of their games. After a win, their ATS percentage drops to 35.7%, and their road ATS record is 8-15-0. As away favorites, Denver covers one-third of the time. Conversely, the Pacers have a more favorable ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2, covering 60% of their home games and holding a 5-2 record as home underdogs.
Despite the Nuggets' poor ATS performance this season, their average 5-point margin of victory suggests they could cover the spread in the upcoming game. Denver's ability to score from multiple areas, with contributions from players like Porter and Gordon, should not be underestimated. Additionally, containing Jokic and Murray will be critical for the Pacers if they hope to challenge the reigning champions.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on these two contenders to see if the Nuggets can maintain their dominance or if the Pacers can leverage their home court advantage to stage an upset. With key players on both sides poised to make an impact, Tuesday night's game promises to be an exciting clash in the NBA calendar.