The Pacers are on a roll: two games since returning from All-Star break, two Western Conference playoff teams vanquished. Can they go three-for-three tonight against the Nuggets? The answer lies in Infinity's master spreadsheet. If I chose a win, expect a loss. Works the other way as well.

Denver has at least two advantages tonight. The first is the best player in the World, Nikola Jokic. The second is the Nuggets had a rest day yesterday, whereas the Pacers were running the Clippers up and down the Gainbridge Fieldhouse hardwood.

Over the past four games, Denver has had a blindingly efficient offense (good for second in the league during that two-week span) and an absolutely porous defense (25th overall). Even with such wild splits, their offense has been good enough to carry the defense as they ranked top-six in net rating and went 3-1.

Denver puts a lot of pressure on the rim as they take the highest frequency of shots at the bucket in the entire league. The Pacers will have to stay disciplined and not allow themselves to fall victim to back cuts when Jokic is operating as the hub.

The Nuggets also excel at creating second chance opportunities – makes sense given that shooting inside puts you in position for offensive boards – so winning the rebounding battle could be a crucial game-within-the-game tonight.

Injuries

Denver has seven players listed on its injury report: Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Trey Alexander, Vlatko Cancar, PJ Hall, DaRon Holmes II, and Peyton Watson. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are both listed as "probable."

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.

TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

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