Indiana Pacers vs Denver Nuggets: Prediction and Picks - February 24, 2025

The Indiana Pacers are set to host the Denver Nuggets on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This matchup features two high-performing teams from their respective conferences, both eager to continue their winning momentum.

Team Performance and Standings

• Indiana Pacers (32-23): Currently 2nd in the Central Division and 4th in the Eastern Conference, the Pacers have secured three consecutive victories. Their recent triumph was a 129-111 home win against the Los Angeles Clippers, where Tyrese Haliburton led the team with 29 points and 12 assists. The Pacers average 116.5 points per game, ranking 9th in the league, and allow 115.5 points per game, placing them 21st defensively. They boast a field goal percentage of 48.8% (4th in the NBA) and a three-point shooting accuracy of 36.8% (11th in the league). However, their rebounding average stands at 41.5 per game, ranking 28th.

• Denver Nuggets (37-20): Sitting 2nd in the Northwest Division and 3rd in the Western Conference, the Nuggets recently had a nine-game winning streak snapped by a 123-100 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the setback, Denver remains a formidable offensive force, leading the league with an average of 121.3 points per game. Defensively, they concede 116 points per game, ranking 22nd. The Nuggets excel in shooting efficiency, with a field goal percentage of 50.9% (1st in the NBA) and a three-point percentage of 38% (3rd in the league). They also average 45.9 rebounds per game, placing them 4th in the league.

Key Players

• Indiana Pacers:

  • Tyrese Haliburton (PG): Averaging 17.9 points, 8.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game, Haliburton is the team's primary playmaker and recently showcased his prowess with a 29-point, 12-assist performance against the Clippers.

  • Pascal Siakam (PF): Leading the team in scoring with 20.6 points per game, Siakam also contributes 7.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists, providing versatility on both ends of the floor.

• Denver Nuggets:

  • Nikola Jokić (C): The reigning MVP is averaging 29.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, underscoring his status as a triple-double threat and the linchpin of Denver's offense.

  • Jamal Murray (PG): Contributing 21.3 points and 6.1 assists per game, Murray serves as a dynamic scoring option and floor general alongside Jokić.

Recent Trends and Head-to-Head

Historically, the Nuggets have dominated this matchup, winning eight consecutive games against the Pacers. In their last meeting at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Denver secured a 114-109 victory. The Nuggets have also been successful on the road, winning their previous three away games before the recent loss to the Lakers. Conversely, the Pacers have been strong at home, with a 16-8 record this season, and are currently on a three-game winning streak.

Betting Insights

• Point Spread: Nuggets favored by 4.5 points.

• Over/Under: Set at 246.5 points.

• Moneyline: Nuggets -176, Pacers +148.

Prediction

This contest is poised to be a high-scoring affair, given both teams' offensive efficiencies and defensive vulnerabilities. The Nuggets' recent loss may serve as motivation to return to their winning ways, while the Pacers' home-court advantage and current momentum make them formidable opponents. Considering Denver's historical success against Indiana and their superior offensive metrics, the Nuggets are slightly favored to clinch a victory. However, the Pacers' resilience and recent performances suggest they will keep the game competitive.

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