Season Standings and Betting Odds
The Nuggets boast an impressive 30-14 record, positioning them third in the Western Conference, while the Pacers hold a 24-19 record, placing them seventh in the Eastern Conference. The total for the game is pegged at O/U 239. Despite their status as underdogs, the Pacers have demonstrated strength on their home court, winning five of their last six games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. However, they face a challenging opponent in the Nuggets, who have secured four wins in their last five outings and are seeking their third consecutive road victory.Recent Performances
Indiana's recent form has been less than ideal, suffering four losses in their last five matches, including a narrow defeat by the Phoenix Suns with a scoreline of 117-110. Conversely, the Nuggets have been on an upswing, notching seven victories in their last ten games. This trend is further bolstered by the Los Angeles Clippers' strong 8-2 record over the same period, adding context to the competitive Western Conference landscape.Player Highlights and Injuries
Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets' star player, continues to impress, coming off a stunning performance against the Washington Wizards where he racked up 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton's participation remains uncertain due to a hamstring issue, and both Isaiah Jackson and Andrew Nembhard are doubtful for the Pacers. Denver will also be without Vlatko Cancar, Collin Gillespie, Braxton Key, and Julian Strawther due to injuries. However, there's positive news for the Nuggets as Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are probable to play. In their previous encounter earlier this month, the Nuggets emerged victorious over the Pacers with a 117-109 score. Notably, Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Porter each contributed 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 20 points. Haliburton did not feature in that game for Indiana.Historical Matchups
History seems to favor Denver as they have bested the Pacers in their last seven meetings. Furthermore, Indiana has not managed to overcome Denver since 2020 and has succumbed to four consecutive home defeats against the Nuggets.Betting Insights
Bet Rivers has priced the Nuggets at -175 on the moneyline. The Nuggets' Against The Spread (ATS) record this season stands at 19-24-1, translating to a coverage of 44.2% of their games. However, after securing a win, their ATS percentage dips to 35.7%. On the road, Denver's ATS record is 8-15-0, and their average margin of victory sits at five points. When favored away from home, the Nuggets cover the spread one-third of the time. In contrast, the Pacers have a more favorable ATS record for the 2023/24 season at 24-18-2. They cover 60% of their home games, and as home underdogs, their ATS record is an impressive 5-2.Key Player Stats
Jokic is ranked 13th in points per game with an average of 26.1 and holds fourth place in the league for both rebounds and assists. Murray contributes significantly as well, averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. Haliburton leads Indiana in points per game and assists, while the newly acquired Pascal Siakam, formerly of the Toronto Raptors, scored 21 points in his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers."Denver has been subpar ATS this season, but their average 5-point margin of victory suggests they could cover here," one analyst commented. "Jokic will be tough to stop, and Murray will also require attention on defense." The Nuggets have proven their ability to score from multiple areas, with players like Porter and Gordon making significant contributions in their previous clash with the Pacers."
"Denver Nuggets -5 (-105 with Bet Rivers)" another expert pointed out, indicating the potential for Denver to beat the spread in the upcoming game.
As the Nuggets and Pacers prepare for their clash, all eyes will be on whether Denver can continue their dominance over Indiana or if the Pacers can leverage their home-court advantage to stage an upset.