Denver Nuggets Seek Continuation of Winning Streak Against Indiana Pacers
The Denver Nuggets, reigning NBA champions from the 2022/23 season, are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. The matchup, taking place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. ET tip-off. With the Nuggets favored by 5 points and boasting an impressive record of 30-14, they sit third in the Western Conference, reflecting their status as one of the league's elite teams.
Conversely, the Pacers hold a 24-19 record, positioning them seventh in the Eastern Conference. Despite recent struggles, having lost four of their last five games, Indiana has shown resilience at home, winning five out of their last six on their court. However, they will be looking to bounce back after falling to the Phoenix Suns with a score of 117-110 in their previous game.
The total for the upcoming game is set at O/U 239, pointing towards expectations of a high-scoring affair. Both teams have demonstrated offensive prowess in recent outings, with Denver winning four of their last five games and seeking their third consecutive road win. The Nuggets have also been successful in seven out of their last ten games overall.
Injury Updates and Team Dynamics
As the teams prepare for the clash, injury concerns loom over the Pacers' roster. Tyrese Haliburton, a key player for Indiana, is listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue. Additionally, Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are doubtful, which could impact the depth and effectiveness of the Pacers' lineup.
The Nuggets are not without their own roster challenges. Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther have been ruled out for Denver. However, there's some positive news for the Nuggets as Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play, potentially providing a significant boost to their already potent offense.
Earlier this month, the Nuggets emerged victorious against the Pacers with a 117-109 win. In that encounter, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20 points to the effort. Notably, Haliburton did not participate in the previous matchup, and his potential absence again could be a deciding factor in the game's outcome.
Historically, Denver has dominated the head-to-head meetings, defeating the Pacers in their last seven encounters. Moreover, Indiana has not secured a victory over Denver since 2020, including losing their last four home games against the Nuggets.
Betting Odds and Statistics
From a betting perspective, Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline. While Denver's ATS (against the spread) record this season stands at 19-24-1, translating to covering 44.2% of their games, they've struggled post-win, with their ATS percentage dropping to 35.7%. On the road, Denver's ATS record dips further to 8-15-0. However, considering Denver's average margin of victory sits at five and they cover one-third of the time as away favorites, they may still manage to cover the spread in this matchup.
Indiana's ATS performance for the 2023/24 season is more favorable at 24-18-2. At home, they cover 60% of their games and have an impressive 5-2 record as home underdogs, indicating a potential edge in this particular scenario.
Players to Watch
Nikola Jokic remains a focal point for the Nuggets, ranking 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1 and sitting fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. Jamal Murray also brings considerable talent to the floor, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.
For the Pacers, Haliburton leads in PPG and assists, though his participation remains in question. Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam, a recent addition from the Toronto Raptors, scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers and could provide a much-needed spark for Indiana's offense.
Final Thoughts
While the Nuggets have had their ATS struggles this season, their consistent scoring ability across multiple players could prove to be the difference-maker. Denver's recent form and historical dominance over Indiana suggest they could overcome their poor ATS trend and cover the spread once again. The Pacers will need to leverage their strong home ATS record and hope for significant contributions from their available