Pacers vs Nuggets Prediction
The Nuggets have had some strange performances this season and are just 3-4 ATS this season, but I’m still laying the points with them here. The Pacers are still an injured basketball team that’s without Haliburton and McConnell, and possibly Oubre, who has a calf issue. The Pacers have lost nine of the last 10 games against the Nuggets. When at their best, the Nuggets have a history of smoking lesser teams, and that’s exactly what Indiana is, given its injury situation.
The Pacers are below average defensively, and what’s usually an aggressive offense is 21st in points and 24th in three-point percentage. It’s a thin line, and who knows what the travel to Mexico City is going to do to teams, but it has to be Nuggets or pass for me. The Pacers just don’t have the bodies to keep up with a healthy Nuggets.
Denver Nuggets Betting Preview
The Denver Nuggets beat the Raptors, lost to the Trail Blazers, and they play the Rockets next. The Nuggets have won 17 of their last 20 regular season games.
The Denver Nuggets are averaging 115.6 points on 49 percent shooting and allowing 114.7 points on 46.8 percent shooting. Jamal Murray is averaging 25.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, while Nikola Jokic is averaging 23.4 points and 9.7 rebounds. Christian Braun is the third double-digit scorer, and Aaron Gordon is grabbing 5.3 rebounds. The Denver Nuggets are shooting 37.2 percent from beyond the arc and 80.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Denver Nuggets are allowing 35.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.6 rebounds per game.
Indiana Pacers Betting Preview
The Indiana Pacers lost to the Hawks, beat the Grizzlies, and they play the Mavs next. The Pacers have lost 6 of their last 8 games.
The Indiana Pacers are averaging 111.2 points on 46.5 percent shooting and allowing 114.2 points on 45.1 percent shooting. Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 21.8 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Pascal Siakam is averaging 21.3 points and 7.1 rebounds. Andrew Nembhard is the third double-digit scorer, and Obi Toppin is grabbing 5.2 rebounds. The Indiana Pacers are shooting 32.8 percent from beyond the arc and 75.1 percent from the free-throw line. The Indiana Pacers are allowing 36.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.8 rebounds per game.
Why the Indiana Pacers will win
- The Nuggets have lost four of their last five games as favorites following a win.
- The Nuggets have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as favorites against Eastern Conference opponents following a win.
- The Pacers have covered the spread in five of their last six games as underdogs.
Why the Denver Nuggets will win
- The Pacers have lost each of their last 12 games against Northwest Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Nuggets have won each of their last eight games against the Pacers following a win.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games against Northwest Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Nuggets have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games against Central Division opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Six of the Pacers’ last seven games against Northwest Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Indiana Pacers Player Facts
- Ivica Zubac has recorded 60 career assists against the Nuggets- the most against any opponent.
- Andrew Nembhard ranks 4th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (90.3%) this season.
Denver Nuggets Player Facts
- Nikola Jokic has recorded five games with 10+ assists this season- the most of any player in the league.
- Christian Braun ranks 1st amongst qualified Guards for FG% (54.9%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pacers have used seven different starting fives this season – equal-most in the league.
- The Pacers rank 30th for second-chance points per game (11.3) this season.
- The Nuggets have recorded the largest comeback win from a Q3 deficit this season – trailing by 19 points vs. the Pelicans on October 24.
- The Nuggets rank 2nd in the league for opponent free-throw attempts per game this season (20.1).