Nuggets vs Pacers Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips – NBA 8 November

Mexico City is roughly 600 metres higher than Denver, so the Denver Nuggets should feel at home when they meet the Indiana Pacers at Arena CDMX. Tip-off for the NBA Mexico City Game is 11:00am NZT on Sunday 8 November.

Indiana are the designated home team, though they’re 0-4 in Indianapolis this season. Their injury list - led by Tyrese Haliburton - worries me more. Most NBA betting tips will point you to Denver, and I’ll show you why below.

Odds from Betovo, correct at 9:00am NZT, 6 November. Subject to change.

Denver Nuggets

Last 5: L-W-W-L-W · Record: 4-3 · ATS: 3-4

I’m not sold on Denver yet, even after Wednesday’s 128-109 win over Toronto. Nikola Jokic had 32 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in that one, and they piled up 76 points in the paint. But they’ve lost at home to Golden State and Portland, and DeMar DeRozan’s back is a worry for their bench. Neither team has a rest edge, with both getting two full days off before Mexico City.

Indiana Pacers

Last 5: L-L-L-L-W · Record: 3-6 · ATS: 5-4

Indiana snapped a five-game losing streak in Memphis on Wednesday, and they did it as 5.5-point underdogs. Andrew Nembhard scored 22 and Pascal Siakam added 20 in the 107-103 win.

Two days earlier, they used just six players in a 108-104 loss to Atlanta.

Ivica Zubac returned from a five-game absence against the Grizzlies but managed just one point. I can’t see him slowing Jokic down so soon after an ankle sprain.

(1) DeRozan was a late scratch for Wednesday’s win over Toronto with low back spasms. Denver hadn’t updated his status for Mexico City at the time of writing.
(2) Strawther sprained his left knee in a preseason game against the Clippers and is yet to play this season.
(3) Jones has been out since hurting his hamstring in the preseason, and Denver are managing both of his hamstrings.
(4) Haliburton strained his left hamstring in late October and was ruled out for at least two weeks.
(5) McConnell has a right hamstring strain and isn’t expected back before next week.
(6) Sheppard had surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee in late October.
(7) Furphy is recovering from surgery on the right ACL he tore last season.
(8) Oubre has a left calf contusion. He was pulled shortly before Monday’s tip-off against Atlanta and also missed the win in Memphis.

Without Haliburton, Indiana lose their main playmaker, and they’re 11.3 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court this season.

Denver swept last season’s series 2-0, winning 117-100 at home and 135-120 in Indianapolis.

• Player trend – Jamal Murray scored 52 points in that December win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
• Totals trend – Four of Denver’s seven games this season have gone over the total.
• Jokic watch – Jokic is nine triple-doubles away from tying Russell Westbrook’s NBA record of 209.
• Mexico history – Denver’s only previous game in Mexico was a preseason loss to Golden State in 2006.

I’m not writing Indiana off. Nembhard is averaging a career-best 19 points, and Siakam can still hurt anyone when his mid-range jumper is falling.

But I can’t see where the Pacers get their stops. Jokic should get to his spots in the post all afternoon, and Denver have far more scoring options on the floor.

My NBA predictions have Denver winning by double digits. I’ve got the total finishing just above 228.5, but that’s too close for me to bet.

My prediction: Nuggets 121-109.

Jamal Murray Over 24.5 Points – $1.87

Murray is averaging 25.4 points this season and shooting 50.9% from three.

Haliburton and McConnell are both out, so the Pacers don’t have a guard who can stick with him for 37 minutes.

He only took 11 shots against Toronto, and I expect him to be far more aggressive here. Betista has Murray Over 24.5 Points at $1.87, which is a decent use of any free bets you’ve got.

Play to: $1.75

18+. Please gamble responsibly. If betting stops being fun, contact the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand at pgf.nz or call 0800 664 262.