Nuggets Eye Third Consecutive Road Win Against Pacers
The Denver Nuggets, reigning NBA champions of the 2022/23 season, are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers this Tuesday evening at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The action is scheduled to tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET, with Denver entering the matchup as favorites by a 5-point margin.
Nuggets' Strong Season Continues
With a commendable record of 30-14, the Nuggets are currently third in the Western Conference standings, demonstrating their consistent performance throughout the season. They have been victorious in four of their last five games and are on the hunt for their third consecutive win on the road. The team's success has been underpinned by star player Nikola Jokic, who recently put up an impressive 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists against the Washington Wizards.
Denver's roster boasts probable appearances from Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, both significant contributors in the team's previous encounter with the Pacers, where they emerged triumphant with a 117-109 victory. During that game, Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each netted 25 points, while Gordon added 20 points to the scoreboard. Their collective efforts have helped the Nuggets maintain a dominant track record against the Pacers, having won their last seven meetings.
Pacers Looking to Rebound
The Pacers, holding a record of 24-19, are positioned seventh in the Eastern Conference. Despite losing four of their last five games, they have shown resilience on their home court, winning five out of six recent home games. However, they are facing some uncertainties with Tyrese Haliburton listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue, and Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard also doubtful for the upcoming game.
Indiana's performance has been mixed on the road, with two wins in their last six games away from home. The team suffered a recent defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns with a score of 117-110. Nevertheless, the Pacers have displayed strong performances as underdogs at home, boasting an ATS (against the spread) record of 5-2.
Pascal Siakam, a new addition to the Pacers from the Toronto Raptors, scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, indicating his potential to be a valuable asset for Indiana.
Betting Odds and Statistics
Despite Denver's less-than-stellar ATS record this season standing at 19-24-1, which translates to covering only 44.2% of their games, their average margin of victory aligns with the spread for the upcoming game. Post-win games see a dip in their ATS percentage to 35.7%, and their road ATS record is 8-15-0. When favored away from home, the Nuggets cover the spread one-third of the time.
In contrast, the Pacers have fared better against the spread this season, with a record of 24-18-2. They have covered 60% of their home games, indicating a level of comfort and performance on their own court.
Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline, reflecting confidence in Denver's ability to secure another win over Indiana. The total for the game is set at O/U 239, pointing towards an expectation of a high-scoring affair.
Key Players to Watch
Jokic's prowess continues to be a focal point for the Nuggets; he ranks 13th in the league in points per game with an average of 26.1 and is fourth in the league for both rebounds and assists. Murray, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, is also a critical component of Denver's offense.
For Indiana, much will depend on the availability of Haliburton, who leads the team in points per game and assists. His presence or absence could significantly impact the Pacers' offensive strategy and overall game plan.
Historical Context
The historical context between these two teams adds an interesting narrative to the mix. Indiana hasn't managed to overcome Denver since 2020, and they have lost their last four home games against the Nuggets. This streak provides an additional psychological edge for Denver heading into the game.
In conclusion, as the Denver Nuggets aim to extend their winning streak against the Pacers, all eyes will be on Jokic and company to deliver another compelling performance. Meanwhile, the Pacers will be eager to break their losing spell and prove their mettle against the defending champions, potentially making this a closely contested game to watch.
