As the reigning 2022/23 NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets continue to assert their dominance in the league. The team is set to face off against the Indiana Pacers on a chilly Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, with Denver entering the contest as five-point favorites.
Nuggets' Impressive Season Continues
The Nuggets boast an impressive 30-14 record, positioning them third in the Western Conference. Their performance has been consistent and dominant, capturing victories in four of their last five outings. They now have their sights set on securing a third consecutive road win, a testament to their resilience and prowess on the court.
Denver's offensive strength has been on full display throughout the season, and their recent victory over the Pacers earlier this month, where they triumphed 117-109, serves as a reminder of their scoring capabilities. Notably, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. each contributed 25 points in that encounter, while Aaron Gordon added 20 points to the tally.
Pacers Looking to Rebound
On the other side of the court, the Pacers are experiencing a turbulent period, with a 24-19 record that places them seventh in the Eastern Conference. Despite losing four of their last five games, the team has shown resilience on their home turf, winning five of their last six at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. However, they've struggled against Denver, having not secured a victory over the Nuggets since 2020 and losing their last four home games against them.
The Pacers are navigating through injury concerns as well. Tyrese Haliburton remains questionable for the upcoming game due to a hamstring issue, which sidelined him in the previous matchup against Denver. Additionally, Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are also doubtful, potentially leaving significant gaps in Indiana's lineup.
Player Updates and Team Stats
Denver will be without the services of Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther, who are all ruled out for the game. However, there's good news for the Nuggets as Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are listed as probable, indicating that they could see action on the court.
Despite Denver's overall success, their ATS (against the spread) record this season stands at 19-24-1, covering just 44.2% of their games. This figure dips even further to 35.7% following a win. As away favorites, the Nuggets have covered only one-third of the time, highlighting potential concerns for bettors considering their -5 point spread heading into the game.
Conversely, Indiana's ATS record for the 2023/24 season is a more favorable 24-18-2. They have proven to be strong contenders on their home court, covering 60% of their games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Moreover, when positioned as home underdogs, the Pacers have an ATS record of 5-2.
Key Players to Watch
Jokic continues to be a force to reckon with, ranking 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1, while also standing fourth in the league for rebounds and assists. His partner-in-crime, Murray, averages 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, making them a formidable duo on offense.
For Indiana, Haliburton leads the team in points per game and assists, but his participation remains uncertain. In light of this, Pascal Siakam, who recently joined from the Toronto Raptors, could play a pivotal role. Siakam made an immediate impact by scoring 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, showcasing his ability to fill the void if Haliburton is unable to play.
Betting Outlook
According to Bet Rivers, the Nuggets are priced at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting their status as favorites to win outright. With a total set at O/U 239 for the game, bettors will weigh the high-scoring potential against the defensive strategies of both teams.
One analyst noted, "Denver have been poor ATS this season, but their average 5-point margin of victory means they could cover here." Indeed, Denver's ability to score from multiple areas, with contributions from players like Porter and Gordon, could prove decisive. As such, the betting line of "Denver Nuggets -5 (-105 with Bet Rivers)" may attract attention from those confident in the Nuggets' capacity to overcome their ATS struggles and cover the spread.