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Game Preview Indiana Pacers @ Denver Nuggets
The Indiana Pacers visit Ball Arena on December 3 to take on the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Indiana enters as one of the fastest-paced teams in the NBA, while Denver continues to lean on its elite efficiency behind Nikola Jokić.
Indiana has played exciting, high-scoring basketball, but their defensive lapses make them vulnerable—especially against a team as efficient and structured as Denver. The Nuggets are 12-8 and 8-2 at home, where they’ve been particularly strong.
This East vs West matchup has favored the Nuggets in recent years, including a win in their last meeting.
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Odds and Key Information
Denver opened as 6.5-point home favorites, with the total set around 234.5. Indiana’s pace inflates totals, but Denver often slows the tempo, creating an interesting totals market.
The Nuggets are 8-2 at home, while Indiana is 4-6 on the road.
Check updated lines at the NBA odds page.
Indiana Pacers Outlook
The Pacers are 11-9 and have surprised many with their dynamic offense, led by Tyrese Haliburton, who is averaging 23.8 points and 11.6 assists per game. Indiana ranks top three in offensive rating and points per game.
However, their defense is a major concern. They allow 122.3 points per game—worst in the league. The lack of rim protection and perimeter communication has created major issues, especially in late-game scenarios.
To keep pace with Denver, the Pacers will need elite shot-making and transition play.
For more on Indiana, visit their team page and the Eastern Conference blog.
Denver Nuggets Outlook
The Nuggets have remained a top contender thanks to Nikola Jokić’s continued dominance. The two-time MVP is averaging 26.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 8.9 assists while shooting over 58% from the floor.
Denver’s home-court advantage is well documented, and their defense has quietly been among the league’s most consistent. They hold opponents to 110.4 points per game, ranking in the top 10.
The absence of Jamal Murray (if applicable) puts more pressure on Jokić, but Denver has handled it with contributions from Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and rookie Julian Strawther.
Visit the Nuggets team page and the Western Conference picks blog for more.
Key Matchup
Tyrese Haliburton vs Nikola Jokić isn’t a direct battle, but both serve as engines for their respective teams. Haliburton drives Indiana’s breakneck pace and spacing, while Jokić controls Denver’s half-court precision.
If Indiana can’t disrupt Jokić’s passing lanes or double-team effectively, he could carve up their already porous defense.
Matchup dynamics like these are covered in depth on the NBA MVP odds blog and NBA assist leader predictions.
Betting Trends
- Pacers are 6-4 ATS in their last 10
- Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 at home
- Over is 9-1 in Pacers’ last 10 games
- Under is 5-2 in Nuggets’ last 7
- Denver has won 4 straight vs Indiana
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Prediction
This game features a pace-versus-efficiency clash. Indiana may score, but their defense likely won’t hold up in Denver’s altitude and against Jokić’s IQ.
The Nuggets should control tempo and pull away in the second half.
Projected Score:
Nuggets 120, Pacers 112
Spread Pick: Nuggets -6.5
Total Lean: Over 234.5
Follow futures markets at the NBA Championship blog and Scoring Leader predictions.
Why You Need Expert Picks
Games like this come down to tempo control and matchup execution—areas expert bettors specialize in. The Scores and Stats Handicappers Leaderboard shows which cappers are red-hot and who to follow.
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